Southern-Sized

How I Armored Myself with Brains When the World Made Me Fear My Body

I grew up Southern, which means I knew the rules early.

You could be pretty, but not too pretty.
Smart, but not intimidating.
Visible, but not flashy.

Basically, sparkle a little, but don’t set anything on fire.

And when it came to my body, the rules got even messier.
Be desirable, but pure.
Be beautiful, but humble.
Be attractive, but somehow not aware of it.