Everyone has their own opinions, but it’s often wiser to keep them private. Recently, a 76-year-old fashion influencer stirred up some mixed reactions after posting a photo of herself in a sleeveless, knee-length dress. Although the post received numerous comments, not all were flattering.
Candace Cima, a grandmother of 11, showcased her style in a sleeveless brown knit dress paired with a cozy sweater in a video. While many praised her for embracing fashion at her age, others were critical of her outfit choice.
Some comments expressed that the dress did not suit her figure, suggesting that a tighter fit below the waist was unflattering. Others shared their disapproval, stating that they wouldn’t wear such a dress and felt it was inappropriate for someone of her age to show so much skin.
Cima responded to the negativity by affirming that it’s completely natural to have wrinkled skin at her age and expressed her lack of shame regarding it. She pondered whether she should also cover her face simply because of the wrinkles.
Having launched her fashion blog in 2019, Cima identified a gap in representation for older women in the fashion world. She recognized a need to discuss how to dress confidently as one ages, challenging the notion that women must hide their bodies as they grow older.
Cima advocates for a shift in the perception of aging, emphasizing that it’s unnecessary to hold on to outdated beliefs in today’s society.
Despite the harsh comments she received, Cima chose to focus on the positive and offer encouragement to her younger followers. She highlighted the joys of aging, reminding them that the wisdom accumulated over a lifetime is something to be cherished and celebrated.
My daughter didn’t talk to me for a week. I decided to give her a harsh reality check
It all started when my daughter, Jessica, came home from school one day with a gloomy look on her face. As a single mother, I’ve always tried to provide the best for her despite our financial limitations. This time, it wasn’t a new pair of shoes or a trendy outfit she was asking for – it was a $50 Stanley Cup, a branded water mug. Apparently, the girls at her school were obsessed with them, and not having one made her a target for bullying.
I was taken aback. Was it really that big of a deal? Could a simple water cup hold such power over her social life? “Mom, everyone has one,” she pleaded. “They make fun of me because I don’t. I just want to fit in.” My heart ached for her, but the price tag was steep for a water cup, and I couldn’t justify it. I provided her with everything she needed, but a $50 cup seemed excessive and unnecessary.
“No, Jess, we can’t afford that right now,” I said firmly. She stormed off to her room, slamming the door behind her. Days turned into a week, and her cold shoulder only grew colder. The silence was deafening, and the tension in the house was palpable.
The Standoff
Jessica’s attitude didn’t change. She talked to me but always with an undercurrent of anger and entitlement. She was stubborn, and her determination to make me cave was impressive, albeit frustrating. I provided for her needs – food, a clean house, clothes, a roof over her head, and a bed to sleep in. But her silent treatment continued, and I realized I needed to take a stand and teach her a lesson about gratitude and priorities.
So, I made a decision. The next day, Jessica came home from school with her usual cold greeting and went straight to her room. Moments later, I heard a heart-wrenching scream, “NO, NO… MOOOOOOM, MOOOOM PLEASE!”
The Harsh Lesson
I walked into her room to find her looking at an empty space where her bed used to be. “Mom, what did you do? Where is my bed?” she cried out, tears streaming down her face.
I hugged her tightly, tears welling up in my eyes. “Jessica, I love you, and I only want what’s best for you. It’s important to appreciate what you have and not let material things dictate your happiness.”
We moved her bed back into her room together, and the rift between us began to heal. The lesson was learned, and our bond grew stronger as a result. Jessica still faced challenges at school, but she no longer let the pressure of fitting in with material possessions affect her self-worth.
The Resolution
In the end, the experience brought us closer. Jessica learned the value of gratitude and resilience, and I learned the importance of standing firm in my decisions as a parent. The $50 Stanley Cup might have been a symbol of acceptance at school, but the real lesson lay in understanding that true worth isn’t measured by branded possessions.
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