This was both easy and tough to write, (my teenaged self is so, totally dying, right now) but I have also heard "If I can't wipe myself, let me die," a BUNCH of times so... [link]

People can and do adapt.

That hit home with me, erikaj, as it brought back memories of my amazement at my late DH's ability to adapt. Steve was a ballet dancer with incredible physical capabilities. When he could no longer dance he expressed appreciation for walks in the park and doing Tai Chi and yoga. When he could no longer walk he would delight in all the reading he could now catch up on. As he lost his good looks he said it brought him a better understanding of the absurdity of vanity. Let's just say I can't conceive that my ability to adapt would be anything like that.

So yeah, the ability of people to adapt is an awesome and wonderful thing.

eta: The piece you linked to in Beep Me also brought on the feels, but a different variety. Well written and appreciated.

I'm not *that* adaptable, myself, Laura. your husband sounds remarkable. Thanks for your comments. Still kind of wondering why that is so many people's hill to die on, while acknowledging that there are, in fact, people who treat you badly for it. The weirdest reaction I used to get talking about stuff like that is "but you're so *smart* and all I wanted to say is like "Central conflict...hello." while in real life mumbling "different part of the brain." but when you've been doing it since you were seven, being a docent loses a little charm.

None of us really know how adaptable we are until faced with the circumstance. Rather like we don't know how we would react in an emergency situation.

well, that can be true...