Today I felt something I’ve never experienced so strongly before. My eyes were opened to something so blindly done by many. As I was checking out at a department store, i stood in front of a younger looking man. He looked at me a few times before finally commenting on my work shirt. He asked if I had worked at my job for a long time, often smiling up at me while he rang in my items. I had told him I only work two days a week. He carried on the conversation by repeating what I had said to him while still smiling. Then I continued to explain how I only worked two days a week because the other five days I am a stay at home mom. Immediately after I had shared this information, the smile on his face dropped and he discontinued eye contact. He looked disgusted to have been flirting with me. He then, without looking at me, told me to have a good day. As I walked out to my vehicle, I felt embarrassed. Was I just suppose to pretend I don’t have my beautiful family? Was it because I am not married? Was it because I am in my early twenties? Or maybe because I work in the food industry. I pondered these questions on my way home only to come to this conclusion. I am happy with my wonderful, beautiful, untraditional family. Growing up, I was surrounded my many who believed things must be done in a certain order; school, marriage, children. When I found out i was pregnant, it seemed as if everyone who was telling me “congratulations” secretly felt sorry for me. I was so excited to be welcoming a new person into this world and I knew my significant other and I could give him the best life possible. Why could others not see this? It was only today that I realized my life doesn’t have to fall into this predetermined notion of what other people view as “proper”. My life is perfect for me. Since having my son, I have been given a new purpose in life. Each and every day I am challenged in a new way. Motherhood is the most rewarding experience. Although things have been done out of order, I am happy with my life. isn’t that all anyone is looking for: Happiness?