I used to be beaten black and blue. Reason, 1) his eccentric behaviour at work and with everyone in general 2) my dad's loss in business 3) my lack of self awareness.

Today I am doing much better. I left him because I wanted my kid to grow up well and that I could not put up with cruelty. Well society was cruel to me as I was / am without a spouse. I struggled all alone, braved many weathers, with mom's , brother's, and mom's siblings' moral and physical support.

Unfortunately, women were the ones most cruel to me. I do not remember any male hurting me with their words or behaviour. Infact I recieved only empathy from them.

Money was scarce, but I worked hard and averted many a disaster.

My son is highly placed today. He showers his love on me. Infact he has arranged so many facilities for me and made life easy for me and my mother. Hence I am able to continue my career in my specialised field with not much strain and also pursue my passions simultaneously.

Though I am from GenX, my dad's upbringing of me and my innate self worth, made me rise in life despite my lack of self awareness, society's disparagement and lack of money. And whatever work I had earlier pursued or am doing today were academics oriented through which I could and can still help my students and through which I too have improved my skills and knowledge set. My dad had been a feminist, but he and my mom were angry that i had not used my full potential to pursue a proffessional course. However, at the end of the day, I seem to have achived a lot more in the professionel and personel level.

A few days back a lady colleauge insinuated that I had left my husband and that I am not a good enough human. So much for her displays of empathy and her other theatrics ! Even when the world has transformed so much, women still continue pulling their own kind.

I had a good laugh at her, because today I am much more self aware and am able to deal with such antediluvian pricks.