Experienced writer across copy, editorial, and branded social content. Currently telling stories @ Public Records.
When I’m not at my 9 to 5, you can find me working on my Substack, Unsubscribing, an essay series where I get vulnerable about growing up with strangers on the internet.
“I’m growing out my Bangs”
from Unsubscribing
… is what I told my sister over the phone when she asked, “What’s new?” My days of unmanageable curls scratching my forehead are over. I’m embracing change.
“I’m growing out my bangs,” is what I always say to this question. Siblings, parents, co-workers, friends I don’t see often—it doesn’t matter. It’s a status update that always satisfies the other party’s need for surface-level banter.
“What’s new?”
“I’m growing out my bangs.”
“Oh exciting! I’ve never seen you without bangs.”
Dialogue isn’t my strong suit, but you get it.
For me, it’s less a conversation starter than it is a cheeky diversion away from what I don’t want to answer.
“What have you accomplished between now and the last time we were together?”
At its best, it’s a well-intentioned attempt to make my personal progress time-bound. I can sense their eagerness to chat about career updates, upcoming travel plans, or my last Hinge date (if we’re sticking to the script of life updates in your mid-twenties). And it’s frustrating, because in that space between their question and my answer, I realize I have no lines. No accomplishment ever comes to mind. That lack of productivity is my biggest insecurity.
So instead, I default. “I’m growing out my bangs.”