by Shannon Popkin | Mar 24, 2020 | Young Control Girl
I tried it, and it worked! My belly emptied out, and I felt better. It was my first step in a very dangerous direction. For years to come, anytime I overate, I would go and empty my surplus food into the toilet. Then I began planning ahead. On pizza day at school, I...
by Shannon Popkin | Mar 19, 2020 | Anxiety, Perfectionism, Young Control Girl
Maddie had a reputation for being exceptionally helpful and cheerful—spreading joy wherever she went. One day, Maddie noticed a boy’s shoe that was untied. He had special needs, so she offered to tie it for him. After that, kids everywhere started saying, “Maddie,...
by Shannon Popkin | Mar 16, 2020 | Uncategorized
Last weekend (when most churches were still meeting) I went to hug someone and she held up her elbow with a smile, saying, “I’m doing elbow bumps today, okay?” I wasn’t offended. I actually thought she was smart—especially when I woke up with a sore throat and...
by Shannon Popkin | Mar 14, 2020 | Communication, Disagreement, Discipline, Friendship, Wisdom, Women, Young Control Girl
“We’re in college!” said one girl in an irritated tone. “Doesn’t she know we’re busy?” said the other. “I mean, that was my last chance to finish this stupid paper, and now it’s probably going to be late—due to...
by Shannon Popkin | Mar 9, 2020 | Young Control Girl
I slammed the door so hard, it quivered in its frame. It was Memorial Day, and all I wanted was to sleep in, but noooo. My parents had decided it was a get-up-early-and-work day. And now my mom had just reminded me for the 116th time that I couldn’t leave until my...
by Shannon Popkin | Mar 4, 2020 | Love, Marriage, Wisdom, Women, Young Control Girl
I can’t remember where we were or when he said it, but I do remember how I looked. I was wearing jeans with a green sweater that had a big cowl neck. I was leaning to one side with my elbow bent, my head propped up on my hand and my other hand resting on my hip....
by Shannon Popkin | Feb 29, 2020 | Young Control Girl
I was twenty years old, single, and getting ready for a date. (If that sentence makes no sense to you, it’s because this story took place about three decades ago—back when people who weren’t dating went on dates. Weird, I know.) Our house didn’t have air...
by Shannon Popkin | Feb 20, 2020 | Young Control Girl
Back in my teens and twenties, if you had asked, “Do you have control issues?” I would have given you a sweet, but dismissive, smile. Me? Controlling? It never crossed my mind. I knew, of course, that there were manipulative, pushy, demanding women in the world who...
by Shannon Popkin | Dec 26, 2019 | 5 C Challenge, Control Girl, Holidays
Last but not least of the Five C Challenge, we’re focusing on… No Comparing. Here’s the definition. Compare: to examine in order to note similarities or differences Now perhaps you’ve already noticed the obvious. Not all comparison is bad. It...
by Shannon Popkin | Dec 22, 2019 | 5 C Challenge, Control Girl, Holidays
Condemn: to pronounce to be guilty. “Do you feel like I condemn you all the time?” I searched his face. As he started to say, “No…” I knew the answer was yes. “What do I do that makes you feel condemned?” I asked gently,...
