anyone else find themselves... performing? constantly offering free childcare, for instance — the neighbor's brood, all elbows and shrieks, for hours. I used to teach, you know. I *know* child development. but I just nod and smile, say 'oh, no trouble at all!' when my whole body aches, when I should be invoicing those gig economy clients. it’s a form of impression management, I suppose. a desperate bid for — what? belonging? utility? am I the only one who prioritizes the *appearance* of helpfulness, even as it drains my limited resources... my time, my meager energy? because god forbid they think I'm not the sweet old lady down the street.