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 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 | Control Girl, 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...