The Things We Choose to Share - by Katie Hawkins-Gaar

Do we protect others' feelings or honor our truth?

There was a period of time when I took a series of photos in front of dumpsters and trash cans with the express purpose of using them as dating profile pictures. I imagined that I would have overheard-on-Bumble-type conversations with prospective matches that would go something like this: Match: Why are all your photos in front of dumpsters? Me: Because life is sometimes trash! Match: Why do you feel that way? My: My husband died not too long ago. In this fantasy scenario, my match would then reply in a compassionate and thoughtful way and we would begin a deep and respectful…

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