Hi Zowie! Thank you so much for taking the time to write that kind response! It really meant a lot. I did struggle with how my writing was being perceived and that it unintentionally played to gender stereotypes. I guess I forget that other people don’t know Alex or Beth personally. I fully agree that a lot of Beth’s qualities are a lot less about pleasing Alex and more about her strong and secure relationship with herself. Although I do think a lot of the feedback that was written more constructively has actually helped create awareness of sexist undertones in my writing and will make me a more thoughtful writer in the future. Either way, your supportive response was something I needed to read just when I read it. So, thank you again. I love the way you approach life and would love to know more about you (as much or as little as you’d like to share). Please feel free to write to me at maeyalily@gmail.com.