Where there is less forced or toxic positivity, or just legit happiness that's kinda assumed everybody feels, the things I see vented about are like, not having a flat tummy for the first time ever, or having anxiety for the first time. And the atrophy conversation. Oh lawd.
Personally, I barely had a flat tummy for all about two seconds of my life. I'm a natural apple shape, the thing they're freaking out about becoming. A lot of BS go on in these conversations that I hate.
Worst thing is that most symptoms of peri are things that I've had for many years, if not my whole life. So, I don't trust that I'll ever really "know" until I've been suffering for too long. I just can't untangle anything. I only don't have hot flashes.
It's honestly just a very alienating experience for me right now. I have a lot more understanding for other people who have felt excluded in this way. In many other areas of life, I can limit myself to more welcoming spaces or talk to more similar people. I hate this.
Chin hairs? Have had 'em. First one at 19. Hair loss? Been losing my temples since 21. Apple shape? Whole life, whenever I'm not very skinny. Anxiety and depression? Since the early 90s in childhood. Itchy ears? I've had eustachian tube dysfunction since HS. Poor sleep? Lmao.