I can relate to your observation about being braver in writing, Sherri, and I’ve been reflecting about that and have many thoughts. Often now in my school environment my questioning is interpreted as being negative or contrary whereas I’m just wondering. I like the idea of letting go of the need to have/provide answers, and sometimes as a parent and educator I’ve felt trapped by having to know something – not so much recently though.

Sometimes I think my history of teaching myself not to ask questions is related to feminist issues and resulting in a couple (not more!) of instances when a young man told a young me I thought too much with the implication that it was not attractive to men. But I see men in the same situation, maybe for different reasons so it doesn’t have to be a feminist issue only.

You can choose your company when you want to articulate your curiosity about things and maybe that’s another reason why it’s easier online – and more gratifying for me because, of course, there is a larger community to choose from.

Now I think I’ve strayed from Maha’s main points and I don’t want that to happen because I don’t want her to feel invisible! So much to unpack in this post, Maha.