Keep up with time

11th April 2025

I clearly remember this incident is from 2017. My son was two years old and I was going through an undetected PPD (postpartum depression) An unexpected career break, new responsibilities as a mother, and raised expectations from my family members for a new homemaker, it all was taking a toll on me. I wasn't prepared for either of them. One evening, my husband announced that we were invited to one of his colleague's places for dinner. After my career break, I rarely stepped out of the house. This invitation seemed like an opportunity to dress up and look my best after a long time. I encashed the opportunity and got ready.
We reached our destination. While the house felt strange, I tried my best to get along with people, my husband's colleagues, as I used to hear their names from him every alternate day if not daily. A little awkwardness prevailed through all the time we were there. After our dinner, when I went to wash my hands in the basin, I could hear a male and a female colleague standing close to the kitchen platform, pretending to fill their plates, talking about me.
"Are you sure she is a homemaker?"
"Yeah, he says so..."
"She doesn't look like one. I mean she is dressed well and trying her best to get along with everyone, she appears to be updated with the time and is knowledgeable also. I don't think.... (coughing) (Probably indicating that I was around...)



And to date, I have been thinking was a decent top and jeans too overdressed for a casual occasion. Knowing what's happening around is so suspicious? Being outspoken is a behavior trait or a negative sign?
The determination to change this narrative around women has been so strong from that day in my head that I wish to be the first person to support every woman who wants to do something. I feel like pulling women out of their comfort zones and telling them, this is what society thinks about you, to prove them wrong. Fortunately, we are in times where being updated and keeping up with time is not rocket science. The only thing you need is a burning desire to be at it. If this incident evokes that in you, I will consider my motto behind writing this piece a successful one.

"I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z"