There's always been one topic I never approach with anyone: politics. I have always seen it as far too controversial to ever bring up in a conversation. For the most part, it's a pretty avoidable topic of discussion.
Don't worry, this blog isn't about politics!
At about 25 weeks pregnant, I'm realizing that pregnancy is a completely unavoidable topic of conversation. Not only that, but it is extremely controversial. Everyone has their own opinion of what you should do and how you should do it. They'll tell you about it whether you've asked or not. I try to take most advice with a smile, a nod, and a response along the lines of, "I'll keep that in mind, thank you." Each topic has a positive and negative side. It's like The Force: light and dark. Without one there cannot be the other. Still, there's one topic that only seems to receive negative attention.
That topic is the bump rub.
I'm here to bring balance to the bump rub.
I have never had much of a personal bubble. I'm a hugger. I like to snuggle animals. Sometimes, I stand uncomfortably close to people. The idea of someone getting in "my space" has never really bothered me. The week before Jim and I left for Louisville, plenty of people were asking me if I was ready for all of the belly rubbing that was sure to take place. Of course I was ready! I understand that most women see it as an invasion of their privacy. Me? It's a trivial matter. I had been fairly ambivalent to the excess touching up until my trip to the Farmer's Store today. Today my apathetic attitude towards the bump rub turned into one of positivity and welcoming...and here's why.
I hate my bump. I absolutely hate it. I make jokes about it, and I know it's only going to get bigger...but I don't like it. Unlike the rest of the world, I don't find it cute. It's not that I don't want to be pregnant. I really have no qualms with it. I'm not terribly uncomfortable. I've been blessed thus far with a very standard pregnancy. I can't wait to meet my little girl. But this bump? Nuh uh. Don't like it. Not. A. Fan.
So why, if I hate my bump so much, do I love the belly rubbing? Because of the joy that it brings those around me. While I was in line at the check-out at the Farmer's Store, one of the cashiers saw my growing belly. She hopped out from behind her lane and came over to rub my stomach. It was the first time I realized how much happiness that small action brings to others. I may not love my bump, but they do! I'm not sure exactly why people get so excited about rubbing a stomach, but I like being able to put that smile on their face. I will take the belly rubbing over the unwanted, opinionated advice any day.
There's a lot of harsh words that float around the internet when it comes to rubbing the belly. I understand that it's a personal choice. I'm not here to try and tell women to lighten up, or convince them to let people touch their belly. Everyone has a different view on personal space. Instead I come bearing this message: if you love preggo bellies then feel free to love on mine. I love that you love the belly! My favorite part of being pregnant is being able to share it with those around me. And maybe, just maybe, this will begin to bring balance to the belly force.
