I just got an assignment from a trusted support person to do something naughty or mischievous on a daily basis. The point of the exercise is to misbehave, act out. Consequences be damned! (Does swearing count?)
What’s that quote about well-behaved women not making history? This is in an effort to do my part on my own behalf.
But I need help. I’ve spent a lifetime following the rules, coloring in the lines and not making waves. This has got to stop.
Trouble is, I’m having a hard time coming up with mischievous acts that won’t harm anyone (leaving dirty dishes in the sink), get me kicked out of my building (throwing water balloons out my window) or negatively effect me (eating stuff that makes me sick). I’m drawing a big blank.
I’m asking for your help. What ways do you act out, misbehave that you’d be willing to share with me for the sake of women and history? You can comment below or email me privately – jane@janepollak.com .
I’m completely serious about this.
Oh baby! Once I did the ultimate naughty thing (a Roman Catholic getting divorced), I made a concerted effort to stop being a goody goody. Rent a red Ferrari and open it up! Go target shooting! Flirt with someone whose league you are totally out of and enjoy what happens! Go into Cartier and own it – make them show you everything! Try on $6,000 shoes! Definitely go to Fifty Shades of Grey if you haven’t already! Read Cosmo and try something! Wear those smoking hot leather leggings again!
$6000 shoes! Are there even such things?! I’m going for that one. I’ll have to take off my SmartWool socks to even stick my foot in, I’m sure 🙂
Great suggestions, Sharon. Thank you!
What a great post Jane, and assignment. It brings to mind the saying that I absolutely love “if you’re always the good girl that you were taught to be, you’ll never be the woman you ought to be”.
I too was once assigned a similar assignment. For me it was suggested I leave a carriage in the grocery store parking lot. It was such a hard thing for me to do, I mean it helps people to bring it back…
So here we go…
Jaywalk, stop the elevator doors from closing rather than wait for the next one, maybe be as bold as to face the opposite direction in an elevator. Sing happy birthday when walking down the street –out loud, even though it’s not your birthday. And definitely use the name Jane. Play sick… yes definitely play sick, or go window shopping down fifth Avenue and make funny faces at the outfits you don’t like. Go try on clothes knowing you won’t buy them, or another one of my favorites, go buy some colored chalk and make a picture on the sidewalk outside a building. Maybe your building??
Most of all, have fun with it and definitely keep us posted!
These are making me happy and scared at the same time. Oh, boy!! My heart is racing. Love, love, love the colored chalk idea! (Glad I caught you in such a creative mood!!)
Do something nefarious with a post-it note.
Great one, Mary! Easy-peasy. I’m visiting friends in FL for the next few days w/o post-its on hand. Will definitely do this when I get back to NYC.
So Jane …. what have you done so far?
@Sharon – See the next post for a couple of my acting outs. Saturday I walked behind some different folks on Broadway and imitated their postures and gaits w/o them knowing it. I also wrapped the toilet paper around the big holder in the ladies room at the airport. Nothing too huge, but little acts that made me smile. Thanks for asking.