My husband and I always think of ourselves as diplomats and ambassadors. The way we move through the world allows other people to connect, and a lot of times, *relax.*. And it is the weight of responsibility.
A straight friend of mine once told me how badly he felt for me, when he realized what we have to deal with. I reassured him that while it is a great weight to carry, we are very practiced and good at it. That doesn’t make it OK, but it doesn’t always feel a weight because we are simply used to carrying it.
This captures it well. The grace and weariness of becoming skilled at something you never asked to carry. That practiced presence can feel like second nature, but it’s still labor. Still cost. And still quietly heroic.
So true. Not to mention the fact that feeling like that diplomat and ambassador makes you feel valuable, makes you feel like you have a place at the table.
My husband and I always think of ourselves as diplomats and ambassadors. The way we move through the world allows other people to connect, and a lot of times, *relax.*. And it is the weight of responsibility.
A straight friend of mine once told me how badly he felt for me, when he realized what we have to deal with. I reassured him that while it is a great weight to carry, we are very practiced and good at it. That doesn’t make it OK, but it doesn’t always feel a weight because we are simply used to carrying it.
This captures it well. The grace and weariness of becoming skilled at something you never asked to carry. That practiced presence can feel like second nature, but it’s still labor. Still cost. And still quietly heroic.
So true. Not to mention the fact that feeling like that diplomat and ambassador makes you feel valuable, makes you feel like you have a place at the table.