Living Without a Gate

Many adults organize their lives around a quiet, ongoing question: Is this allowed? Not legally or morally, but practically, financially, socially.

It shows up as waiting. Over-researching. Looking for other people who are already doing the thing, just to see if it’s okay. Scanning for proof that a choice has been approved somewhere.

Is this realistic? Is this irresponsible? Is this something people like me get to do?

This often passes as being careful. It’s actually a safety strategy — one meant to prevent mistakes, rejection, or regret.

It doesn’t work.