How buried is your ironing board?

[True Dough]

[Siwsan]

1. Pictures like that make me glad I suffer from a degree of body dysmorphia

I haven't worn a bathing suit in decades and don't even wear shorts, in the Summer. I wear long, gauze skirts. Nobodies eyeballs are assaulted by my numerous perceived flaws.

[hlthe2b]

2. I do too... I could never expose myself and my flaws. Society sent me a message long ago & I

internalized it--for good or ill.

I guess the lightweight khakis I wear in the hot summer in lieu of shorts on most occasions--at least afford tick, mosquito and sun protection.

I'm not saying that's right, just saying that's me and I'm unlikely to change.

[True Blue American]

3. I exercise in the Y pool

3 mornings a week, and honey if you hate tp put on a bathing suit in public, Don’t! You will feel good.

I have to admit doing all the exercise of swimming without putting your head under water you do get muscles.

On the real ironing board I actually had to press 3 pieces. Had trouble putting the ironing board up and steam iron working. Thanks Heavens for Permanent Press! Been so long.

[hlthe2b]

4. I get my exercise walking 6-8 miles a day. Swimming is relaxing but I've never been good enough

swimmer to stay fit that way. Just as well, I guess, given my personal "phobia"...

As to ironing, I used to NEVER iron, but lately some of the "permapress" is NOT. Cheaper fabric blend, I think.

[True Blue American]

6. I used to walk,

Was very ill, started doing the machines at the Y,( they have an older free Trainer, he helped a lot, but began to have knee problems, so went in the water.. much better on my legs.

You can not beat walking.

Yes, the cheap stuff and materials are awful. I have 2 cotton sweaters, have to be 25 years old. Washer and dryer, still look and feel like new. So comfortable. When Claiborne made decent stuff.

[Grasswire2]

5. I love ironing.

I have collected vintage linens for many many years from estate sales and other sources. I have soooo many beautiful all-cotton tablecloths and napkin sets and pillowcases and embroidered things. I love to soak them, line dry, and then iron them. I love the handwork on many -- the work of our grandmothers and great grandmothers. I once rescued from an old man's junk sale an embroidered tablecloth that was stained all over and used to wipe his hands in the workshop (and maybe his boots!) After my TLC, it is one of my most beautiful pieces, covered with sunflowers and field flowers all embroidered by someone, somewhere, some time ago.

[True Blue American]

7. Did you use lemon juice?

I had a small tomato stain. Used everything. Lemon juice, came right out. I love old pieces.

Just purged 40 years of collecting.

I had an old round bottom copper pot, used in a family restaurant. My Son, took it,
restored it, is building a frame for it. blue glass lid fruit jars. Think I could ask for it back?

[Grasswire2]

8. kindred spirits. :-) nt

[brer cat]

11. I have vintage linens also.

I love to iron. It is instant reward and it helps focus my attention on all the detailed work.

[Phentex]

9. WHY? Society needs to shut the hell up!

Look, in a hundred years, you'll be dead and all those people who might dare to judge you will be dead. WHO CARES if your body does not fit their expectations? You don't know them and you don't owe them a damn thing. You want to swim? Do it. And love it.

I didn't write this but I have embraced it.

https://herviewfromhome.com/wear-the-damn-swimsuit/

[hlthe2b]

10. Do you honestly believe anyone you say this to does not know this on an intellectual level?

It is an emotional response and you can't just scold someone for having those reactions that are hardwired in childhood. It becomes even more so after so many years, You can't just demand that someone wear something that seeds their insecurities as reinforced by repeated ridicule from others during phases of their lives and demand that they not care.

Do I swim? Yes, though not regularly. But I have no desire to wear a personally unflattering and extremely revealing swimsuit, whether others do or not. The one I have is tasteful for ME and I'm not afraid to wear it. That's not the issue. I prefer other sports but I am not excluded from a trip to the pool or beach because of that.

I am a healthy weight and I exercise to maintain it. But, I wear what has to be comfortable for me. Do I have a right to 'let it all hang out and to hell with who doesn't like it?' Yes. But, that does nothing for ME. It certainly doesn't make me feel more empowered. Others mileage may vary, but that is for them to decide.

And yes, society needs to change, but it surely hasn't gotten much better since I was a young girl. In some ways (social media, celebrity culture, etc.) it has sadly gotten worse.

[Phentex]

12. I missed this part...

"unlikely to change"

[Solly Mack]

13. My ironing board is in witness protection.

That's how buried it is.

[True Dough]

14. Ha ha!

You made my ironing board shake with laughter, like a bowl full of jelly!