You know how these things go hand-in-hand. They're the topics of two more posts I've written for Mom.me. The first is a silly entry I wrote about realizing how, despite the stupid pride I like to take in being a "bad mother" (IE how "cool moms" like to try to think they're not at all like the sanctimommies and mama bears on STFU Parents), I actually am a secret crunchy snob in at least one respect. Oh, and for the record, I'm not fanatic about keeping Paul from characters--I don't shield his eyes from them or anything. It's just that, if I have the choice between an article of clothing or toy that's "generic" versus branded, I'll pick the generic one while I still have a choice.
The second is a much more serious essay that covers some stuff I don't normally talk about online but it's something I wanted to publish in one form or another in case anybody else experiences what I did--confusing, crushing depression brought on by using the wrong birth control pill. I know I definitely wasn't the only person who experienced this and if this makes someone else out there realize that maybe she is in the same boat, I will be glad to make her realize she's not "messed up."
Myra
I'mma overshare here for a minute on your second essay. The pill thing? That's straight up legit. For various reasons (mostly not-having-insurance-related), my husband and I used only condoms as contraception for the first 3.5 years of our relationship. Odd, yes. Costly, kind of. But really no big deal. When we got engaged, I decided on a lark to go on the pill so we could officially CONSUMMATE THE RELATIONSHIP sans barriers on our wedding night.
Fast forward one year, and the pill (Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo) had made me insane. The mood swings were atrocious and made me feel helpless. Fortunately, I was able to peg my nutso behavior directly to that tiny hormonal bullet. Which, in turn, led to me giving the following choice to my partner: I said, "You can either have me on the pill and batshit crazy, or you can use a condom and get normal wife back." He opted for the condoms with zero discussion, and I immediately dropped the pill.
Two kids (ours) and one vasectomy (his) later, I'm a perfectly happy, hormone-free camper. Just wanted to say that you weren't alone, and your essay is proof that I made a good, early decision.
Claire Zulkey replied to comment from Myra
Thank you Myra--I hope this gets out more so other women on the pill might realize it's that and not them.