The next time Carol came to visit, the girls took her to their room for a makeover. They discussed the implications and merits of romantic relationships.
"Real life doesn't work like books or movies," Blossom explained, "Most relationships end sooner or later. Very rarely are splits amicable. The amount that end in assault, suicide, or murder is...Shocking...To say the least."
"What keeps drawing us to them?" Carol wondered.
"The main reasons we've found are because we've been force-fed the idea they're fulfilling or because those of us who grew up with trauma are searching for comfort in others."
"What's the alternative?"
"Self-love."
"I don't follow."
"How many times have you heard people say it's hard to love themselves? It's because they were never taught that skill. As we get older, our behaviors get harder to change. By the time we reach our 30's, it seems almost impossible. This isn't helped by the physical effects of aging."
"Say for the sake of argument you're right. What do you mean by self-love?"
"Doing nice things for yourself: taking yourself to a movie or dinner. Sleeping in. Taking the occasional sick day off. Fucking yourself silly without the fear of being unsatisfied. Nobody knows you better than yourself."
"So that's what you meant by being force-fed unrealistic messages."
"We're constantly told we're not allowed to do these things without society thinking we're weird or strange: basically that we're broken or defective in some way. The reality is, most people are so wrapped up in their own worlds they could care less about what you're doing."
"I think I understand."
"The powers that be hate it when we find ways around their oppressive systems. Just look at Fox News if you need proof."
"I feel like I've gained a new perspective over our last few conversations. I'll try it your way and see how it works out."
"Glad we could help."
Carol examined the desk mirror. The college attendant was impressed by the dramatic shift with such minimal time and effort.