Two-Piece Bathing Suit

I’ve never worn a two-piece bathing suit before, but on Thanksgiving Day at age 48 I decided to give it a try. As soon as I had it on, the only other woman in the locker room said, “Aren’t you adorable in your polka dots! Are those your underthings or is that your real swimsuit?” This is the type of warning compliment women offer when another woman is stepping outside of what they deem appropriate for female behavior. Bellydancers who stop you to tell you to put on a cover-up, yoga teachers worried about the lady in see-through pants, you know how it is. I’m sure this has happened to you. We are petrified of what it might mean for all of us if one of us steps out of line.

Anyway, I ignored her, and I felt like a fish in the water, and I stretched and felt my muscles long and healthy, and the sensation of water on my belly was pleasant and new.

Also, lots of men smiled at me who usually don’t. Also, I hate strange men smiling at me, so that’s actually a vote against.