Collective Shush

Early in our relationship, my husband learned that it was not acceptable to shush me, even in jest. The poor guy learned that lesson the hard way.

I think it was when he was trying to hear some noise in the background. I was talking to him and suddenly he said "Shhh!!" 

Every pot set to boil in my stomach. The volcano began erupting and the heat rose to meet my eyes, which I imagine turned red. It was such a visceral reaction, I surprised even myself. 

"DO NOT SHUSH ME!"

"I'm just trying to hear something, I thought I heard a weird noise."

Then I explained to my sweet, caring boyfriend, the collective history of shushing that that simple sound brings to my mind. He had no idea. 

When I was too loud: Shh!! 

When I had an idea that I was too excited about: Shhh!! 

When I wanted a turn: Shh! 

When I stood up for something I believed in: Shh! 

When my self-advocacy was embarrassing: SHHH!!! 

When I had a question: SHHH!!

When my theology wasn't acceptable: SHHH!!

When I had an opinion that wasn't the norm of the room: SHHH!!

When I was upset about something that you might not be upset about: SHHHH!!!!

To this day, the kindest, most beautiful soul can shush me out of genuine concern (listening for a burglar?) and a trail of hot lava circles my heart. I have learned how to trust the person and not the hot lava. But if I don't trust you? Hot lava.

When Donald Trump, the interrupter and King of Shush, was elected over Hillary Clinton, it felt like the nation did a collective Shush.

SHHH- minorities aren't important, besides they shouldn't look or act different.

SHHHH- talking about women like they are sex toys with no autonomy is not a big deal.

SHHHH- making fun of a disabled person is not so bad, stop being so sensitive.

SHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Oh my blood is boiling.

That's why I'm writing. 

DO NOT SHUSH ME. (or my friends/family/neighbors)