People are strange. Life is strange. My kids are strange.
My 12-year-old daughter came home with a few classmates to finish a project. I cooked their dinner, washed the dishes and, as I was finishing up in the kitchen, my daughter came in, touched my back and checked if I was wearing a bra. What the…???
When I was a kid, I hated how my mother would always check whether or not I was wearing a bra. I wore shirt and shorts in the house all the time but I wasn’t allowed to face male visitors unless I had a bra and a skirt on. See, she was of that generation. She never went out of the bedroom without a bra, wore those kaftan costumes at home, never went out of the house without getting all dolled up — dress, shoes and bag that matched (including jewelry); full make-up and her hair done.
And I was just the exact opposite. I liked going out in shorts. I liked hanging around the house without a bra on. I still do. Except for a short time in high school, I never cared about make-up or my hair when I went out. Well, except when there was reason to get all dolled up — just use your imagination. I mean, do you really need to set your hair and carefully apply make-up if you’re going to play tennis or go shopping or just eat out? My mother had her penciled eyebrow on even when we went to the beach. I mean, honestly.
So, anyway, my kids grew up seeing and knowing I was like that. And then I noticed, as they entered adolescence, that they had this attitude about bra that reminded me so much of my mother. They often sleep with their bra on, for goodness’ sakes. I know that was the kind of “discipline” that Halle Berry was subjected to by her mother (heard her say it on Oprah) — for reasons very much other than modesty — but my kids don’t know that. So where is this bra attitude coming from?
I’m stumped, really. I go back to the nature vs. nurture debate. I remember a conversation with the administrator of the pre-school that my daughters attended. I said physical traits were inherited but character traits…?? I said I didn’t think so. She said, “You’d be surprised.” I am surprised. Now. About the bra connection.
connie, maybe the bra connection is a recessive trait they inherited from your mom
We're the same. I don't like wearing make-up. The first thing I do when I arrive home from work is to remove my shoes and remove my bra.
Ahh… maybe the bra trait skipped a generation.
I don't know who invented the bra but it really obstructs breathing ha. In fact, I think it was invented more for reasons of vanity than anything else.
I can relate about the bra thing. Breastfeeding bra is nice, though. It offers support pero it does not make you feel as if mahirap huminga sa sikip.
Ate Connie, it shouldn't obstruct your breathing. You may be wearing the wrong type or size of bra. I personally don't like "nipping" through my shirts (where the nipples harden and show through). And I'm sure for bigger women, they appreciate not swinging this way and that. Like me now that I'm pregnant, my boobs have gotten bigger. Don't like bras much but I appreciate the support.
Please check out
http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girl…
It's really important to get fitted.
I keep thinking of Marge Simpson burning a bra (saw it years & years ago but stuck to me) & how I would love to do that.
When I was in Pinas I've always longed to go out without a bra, at home I never bother. Now in London esp it's winter & i'm always wearing jumpers (sweaters to you & me), I sometimes go bra-less & deep inside I'm smiling.
Bras were invented to torture. And now that all good (nice looking) bras seem to always need wires that poke my fatty sides, they've become even more evil.
The funny thing is when hubby & I were dating he used to be okay with me going out without it. Now that we're here (yes a bit older, too), he's become more conservative esp when we have houseguests.
Perhaps he's trying to send me a message… hmm
Bra was invented to catch the dripping milk or more so to let know that she has two peaks and not one although the other which has already gone.
i used to sleep with a bra on until i got a roommate who does not wear a bra when inside our room– that's how i discovered it's more comfortable to not wear a bra when at home.
i remember a statement nga pala from pat evangelista (in her inq column), sabi niya: friends are like bras, they are close to your heart and are there for support
a bra, though, can't support me enough when i have my period and i ride a PUJ on a bumpy road or kung kumakarag-karag na ang jeepney.
happy new year to you and your family, ms connie– long time no read na ko sa blog mo =) i hope i didn't miss that much.
AnP, ah breaastfeeding bra, yes, I agree. And you really need the support when breastfeeding.
poppycock, actually, i was thinking "regressive." pambihira, it's like someone put my kids in a time machine.
Pinayhekmi, CONGRATULATIONS! Wow, you're going to be a mommy. Another addition to the list of mommy bloggers.
Re, bra size and cup. That's not it. I can't cup C here so all my bras are imported. It just feels like an alien object, really. I feel totally free without it. Of course, there are times when a bra is necessary. Sports is one. But, at home?
auee, naku yung wires… now that is torture. and that is totally for vanity. the stiff thing on the side is not so bad but the underwires, naku wag na.
re your hubby: men get insecure as they age hehehehe
G. de Saycan, if bras were meant to hide the effect of mastectomy, the more it sounds like an object for vanity.
rowena, happy new year too. and whatever you missed are all in the archives.
Hi Con. Isn't it harmful to wear tight bras and to wear a bra when you sleep?
Hi Sam, harmful, I don't know but it sure is darn uncomfortable.
the place i work at has a high majority of us in the company, and one day a few weeks ago i got so much pressure from some of them that i had not worn a bra to work that i am sure i wont do that again.
just found this blog