I have a new article for The Breast Form Store!
In 1964, Barbara Streisand sang “People who need people/Are the luckiest people in the world”.
NEED is an interesting word here. It’s a strong word and it implies and assumes a LOT. I tend to qualify every word I use, and this isn’t an exception.
Do I need my wife? Of course. Do I need to talk through things with her that I am thinking about? Yes. Do I need her to make the coffee for tomorrow? No.
So, do I NEED her? Yes. No. Sometimes. Always. It depends.
Could I live without her? On a physical level, yes. On an emotional level? Life without her would be hollow, empty, and bleak. Not much of a life, honestly.
My wife, like most of the people in my life, ENHANCE my world. Do I NEED other people to like my job? I like my work (for the most part) but there’s no question my colleagues (most of them) make my job more enjoyable.
Do I NEED people who enjoy the same books that I do? No. BUT it is fun to talk about a good novel with a friend who also liked it.
Support and community are key to a fulfilling life. Of course, that doesn’t mean you need to be around people 24/7. God knows I have a short and rapidly depleting social battery. But it’s important to have the OPTION for others when you need that.
I enjoy my time at home and doing what I enjoy doing. But it’s comforting to know I could text a friend and meet up for coffee when I feel like it. It’s wonderful finishing a book and emailing a friend about it.
We as queer folks (queer doesn’t necessarily have to do with sexuality but if you prefer, replace “queer folks” with “people who are not cisgender or heterosexual”) need others in our lives in regard to this aspect of ourselves. My femme life is enhanced by others (transgender or otherwise) that share my passion (or at least understand and let me talk about) for cute clothes.
The point is that people contain multitudes and our lives are enhanced by others that we can share our thoughts and feelings with, whether it’s a movie or stilettos or a problem or a difficult moment.
Love, Hannah
Hannah McKnight 