I Still Write Like I’m Asking Permission to Exist

Dear Delyara, Every email gives me away. Just following up. Just checking in. Just wanted to ask. No worries at all. Totally understand. Happy to help. Whenever you get a chance. Sorry to bother you. It is exhausting how much emotional cushioning I build into simple professional communication, like I am trying to land my own voice softly enough that nobody will punish me for having one. Men at work do not do this. Not the way I do. Sometimes I read my own messages back and want to reach through the screen and take my hand and say, You are not asking to be tolerated. You are communicating. I wish that landed in my body more fully than it does.