I’d be curious about your take on this, Jessica, because I respect your writing. As it pertains to the sexes, it seems far more acceptable for men to engage in a brag fest, as it is generally deemed his right to his geography. However on the other hand, and you know whereof I speak (and this isn’t addressing the social media aspect, that’s another topic), it’s considered rude and unladylike- what a goddamned jailhouse word- to brag about what we’ve done. To discuss what we’re proud of. It’s been my experience, most especially in online dating, that men (mostly of an Age) not only deem this offensive but do their level best to beat me down. The trolls do the same to those exceptional female athletes out doing unbelievable things because they can. They don’t have to brag, they just do it. This is in part our patriarchal society. I tend to love potent women who do claim their space to which they have every right. That’s one piece of it. Another is the psychological issue, of whether we’re pounding our collective chests out of an infantile need for “Mommy lookit me!!” I think the discussion begs a variety of perspectives.

To my point. I would not know be friends with my Medium peep Terri Ducay had she not written that she dumped all her stuff into storage and is now traveling the world using her social media skills to work with elephant sanctuaries and the like. It is precisely that which drew me to her, got me to write an article about her, and when she comes to Denver in May, we hope to meet. I am deeply drawn to intense, live out loud, amazing women. If they do not speak of what they do, I cannot find them. Nor can those women find me. And believe me, we want to find each other, because in that sisterhood there is immense support, inspiration, laughter, shared tears and the most amazing stories. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I totally get your point. However I think that there are some interesting side stories here, some societal, some psychological, all of which bear observation. To say nothing of our personal preferences for privacy or for widespread approval, such as that is. I’d love to see a piece by you on some of this. It sure interests me. Thanks for your response.