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Carole Roseland's avatar

Never knew many Tiffani’s but plenty like them. Just wrote a poem about that, but I haven’t posted it yet. I’ve never had a ton of friends, in fact, almost none in general. I’ve never been popular or felt like I had it all together, and as an adult, my house is full of fun stuff but it’s never neat, spotless or orderly. I’ve had a life of ups and downs, but I’ve never covered that up. I suppose I cared when I was younger, but not a lot now. I don’t have to put on airs for anyone. It’s a lot easier that way.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

I'm looking forward to reading your poem, Carole!

I enjoy your writing so much!

I never has a ton of friends either, that is real friends and I chose that.

If I was part of a group, I didn't stick around long and found 1 of 2 of my people.

A house that is neat is boring. (Few actually have that, I've discovered it's an illusion).

Authentic people are much more interesting than the "Tiffanies" of the world and the "Tiffanies" probably have a "Tiffani" too.

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Carole Roseland's avatar

Actually, I did a poem on this which you may have seen a few months ago.

https://open.substack.com/pub/caroleroseland/p/green?r=3myco9&utm_medium=ios

The new one is a lot simpler, and I’ve been holding off because it has some of my embarrassing artwork🤣.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

I remember that poem! Love it! I can relate to that. I have been “green” many times

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Carole Roseland's avatar

Kind of out of ideas at the moment, which is why I’ve been holding off on the latest.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

I hope you post. I've been refurbishing some of my older posts here. The Tiffani one was one of them. I published it soon after I started here and few saw it

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Darcy Dudeck's avatar

I can relate to this so much!

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Thanks for sharing. It's amazing and sad really that so many people relate to this.

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Sandra Pawula's avatar

Jane, It's so sad that people start comparing themsevles to others are such a young age. There's so much conditioning to unravel as we get older and gain some wisdom. I don't remember having a Tiffani in my life because I was an introvert and cut off from the cool social gangs.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

It really is sad, Sandra. Sitting on the outside hurts too. The wisdom is gained later - your right. I wish it were sooner

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Maggie Jon's avatar

Oh fuck, can I relate to this. I was a skinny tomboy too. And boys would literally yell from the other side of the street that I'm ugly.

So I became the 'funny/smart one'. Now I am totally ok with the way I look, but in my teenage years and in my twenties, it hurt like a motherfucker.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

That's awful. I'm so sorry you went through that.

So mean and it hurts still. I had something similar happen and later the same guys would whistle and ask me out. Wth???

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Maggie Jon's avatar

Yep, super weird 😅

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Ken Macko's avatar

I think so many, growing up, had dreams and illusions of wanting to or being someone else. The athlete, the brain, the cheerleader, the guy or girl with the showcase partner. We all went through the bullying, the outlasting and shunning. At some point something slaps you up side the head and you realize it’s ok to be different and maybe most important learn to be who you are.

You are unique, one of a kind and that is ok. But what you are most is real, honest, emotional and a down to earth person. A person who anyone who is fortunate enough to be around should be thankful and appreciative of that honor.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

That's so much, Ken. I think so much of us spend time wanting to be someone else that we don't get to be the person we are meant to be. It can take a lifetime, if ever to realize that.

Bullying has stung so many of us. It happens on a spectrum, but no one is immune when you think about it

Unique is good. Unique is interesting!

I appreciate you stopping by to comment and adding your insight to the conversation here

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Jennifer Ward Dudley's avatar

Oh certainly no envy within my group of women friends. I do admit at times my boisterous, direct approach has been ferocious. Ask my husband !

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Cygnus X-1's avatar

Peer pressure is a highly destructive force. Kids kill themselves, use drugs, etc. because of it. I wish that I had understood that when I was 6. Good article. Besides, you are prettier than Tiffini.

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Jane Deegan's avatar

Peer pressure is so difficult and I grew a long time ago - in the 70s and 80s. I can't imagine the added pressure with children and teens with social media. It's difficult as an adult sometimes.

I appreciate you commenting and reading!

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Jennifer Ward Dudley's avatar

Me ? I was the skinny, red haired, freckled, insecure , sensitive, sarcastic, witty, anxious, rebellious, angry , always popular in a group of blond “Tiffani (y”) blue boxes …

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Jane Deegan's avatar

I'm sure you stood out in a good way with your peers. They were probably jealous and of you in away. You weren't afraid to be yourself and that's awesome!

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Francesca Bossert's avatar

Tiffani! I don't think I've ever met anyone actually called Tiffani, but yes, I had plenty of Tiffanies when I was in high school. Tracy's, and Charlotte's, and Alana's!! I certainly wasn't a Tiffani as I was shy and insecure. Later on, in my 20s I didn't turn into a Tiffani either, even though I suppose I came into myself more. Although there has always remained a profoundly insecure base line to me, which I'm pretty sure is mostly the same for everyone; some are just more vocal and better at covering it up. Good article, Jane, for a first one! Super interesting. Hugs, Cesca xx

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Jane Deegan's avatar

She was the only Tiffani I knew ever, I think. Plenty of Heathers and Jennifer's. Not many Jane's - which I appreciate now

I think so many are insecure are try to be like "them" and cover up

Thanks so much Francesca. I think that was my 2nd or 3rd article here. I remember it getting 10 likes and I was impressed- my other ones got one or two and the 1st one I was the only like. Lol

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