Share Your World, May 13, 2019

Answers for the questions for this week’s Share Your World Challenge from Sparks from a Combustible Mind.

1. What social stigma does society need to get over already?

There are two stigmas that I believe need to stop, to protect women and men. First is the stigma of women who are experiencing domestic violence. The phrase, “Why doesn’t she leave?” places the responsibility for violence on the victim, especially because seldom do we hear asked, “Why does he beat her?”

Second is the stigma attached to men who are the victims of domestic violence. To avoid being seen as weak or a wimp, these men often don’t report the violence, and sometimes when they do, police officers take them to jail. We don’t feel the same empathy and sympathy for the men, because no man should “allow” a woman to rule. It is just beyond too many people’s imagination that men may need rescuing from aggressive and violent women. But crazy and violent have no gender limitations.

2. What was the last photo you took?

It was the one shown below of the street sign of the street where we are nesting while in Italy. We went for a long walk today, taking pictures as we walked, and this was the last one before returning for a hot cup of tea. The actual street would be considered an alley in America, as it seems too narrow for two- way traffic. But, oh, happy day, to be in Italia!

3. When was the last time you snooped and found something or found out something you wish you hadn’t?

When Douglas moved into my home after our marriage, I convinced myself that I was making sure he had enough room for his things, so I was snooping in the spare room. I found a shotgun that nearly sent me into hysterics. I knew it had to go, but how to ask him without him wondering why I was going through his things. But, he was cool about it. I just could not have a gun in my house! He took it away, I think! For all I know, it’s in the attic or under his underwear. I never snooped in his things again.

4. What’s the most comfortable bed or chair you’ve ever slept in?

It was the bed I slept in at the hotel in Geneva, Switzerland. I spent eight days there alone, and if I could have, the bed would have went home with me, instead of boxes of Swiss chocolates. It was as though someone had measured my whole body and contoured the bed just for me. I slept better there than I have anywhere, including my beds at home. I cannot sleep in chairs, on airplanes, or on a sofa, so a good bed is worth its weight in gold.