"My favorite grilled cheese place is having free sandwiches for national grilled cheese day"
and other selected secrets/sparkles
Hi friends, thank you so much for being here! It means a lot to me. If you enjoy my writing, I’d love it if you’d share A Little Something Sweet with the people you love. I also invite you to upgrade to a paid subscription, which gives you access to my Rom Coms Revisited movie club, exclusive recipes, and other subscribers-only content. Your support of my work allows me to keep creating here and elsewhere. I’m so grateful, xoxo.
remember, in this context:
secrets are the shadowy things that we want to share but might be tempted to hide because of shame/fear/social obligations.
sparkles are the things that make you feel most alive - little moments of joy/satisfaction/contentment that you wish you could bottle up.
click here to submit your own secrets/sparkles anonymously anytime.
loosely defined themes of the week: spring has sprung, babies babies babies, holidays are hard
This is a sparkle heavy week! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
secrets
short & sweet/salty:
I don’t like my husband since having a baby but I want to have more sex with him.
i got out of an almost 7 year long relationship last year and i’ve already been treated better by someone i met 2 months ago. things have come to a halt because, we’re both scared. i can’t stop thinking about him though.
I’m having the worst menstrual period, and I’m both afraid and hopeful it’s perimenopause.
I should have been an engineer. I’m miserable in marketing and want to quit every day.
I feel so out of place at the gym…horrible thoughts come to my mind. I’m not nice to myself.
I’m having an affair after my husband refused to divorce me. Third life crisis & never happier.
I hit a parking bracket with a rental car and drove off.
I love my partner, but I think we should break up.
I’m consumed by envy. It’s exhausting. But I can’t stop.
My father just died unexpectedly and I don’t know how to cope.
People keep asking me if I’m going to have kids and I find it really weird and uncomfortable.
I found out I’m having a boy today and my heart is grieving for the girl I’m not having.
I miss my ex’s mom and wish she was my mother in law.
I’m married + constantly have BIG crushes on married people (I’m a Christian pastor).
My grandpa is dying and my uncle asked me to keep it a secret from my adult cousins.
I still don’t know how to raise my kids w/ traditions/holidays, feels like I’m messing up.
Turns out I just needed kink to enjoy sex.
Having a breast biopsy tomorrow (33f) and I’ve been shut down depressed all wkd.
I got rejected from a dream job and now I don’t know what to do.
My friend cheated on her bf in front of me.
My best friend & sister are bonding over motherhood and I’m happy for them but jealous.
I’m afraid to have sex again!!! What if I’m vulnerable and they turn out to be a bad person AGAIN?!?!!
My mom’s cognitive loss is worsening and it’s hard knowing it’s just going to get worse.
I am in love with my best friend.
I love being a therapist for other people’s kids but am terrified I’d fuck up my own if I had any.
I can’t convince myself not to be anxious and it feels wrong to ignore what’s going on.
I despise my job that I tried so hard to love. It’s isolating and I’ve lost myself & my friends.
I’m going off my SSRIs and I am scared.
My mom tells me she “doesn’t like me or my decisions” and idk what I’ve ever done wrong.
7 year relationship just ended and I’m not okay.
I had phone sex with my ex last night.
Deconstructed my faith 6 yrs ago & I refuse to participate in this holiday except the chocolate.
Spending all day with my gma who always makes it obvious I’m the least favorite grandchild.
Got fired over the phone 12 hours before my last shift w/ no reason given. I feel useless.
My ex viewed my insta story and now I’m weirdly sad???
Lied that a relative died for bereavement leave because I need a break.
My ex proposed as a way of getting me back. It really sucks.
I’m the only single person in my friend group. 90% of the time I’m 3rd/5th/7th wheeling & tbh it sucks.
I’ve recently started hrt but I’m still too scared to come out as trans publicly…I feel like a fraud.
You are not a fraud, at all. Sending you love.
I pretended to be sick to not go do Easter dinner with family and family friends.
I have a 2 month old and want to divorce my husband.
I have agoraphobia and it feels like it’s never going to go away. What’s the point of life then.
My bf’s brother is his best friend. I can’t stand his brother.
I’m struggling with an alcohol addiction and I don’t know how to tell anyone.
My ex is my best friend and I don’t want to date him but don’t want him dating anyone else.
I think my kid has become a spoiled brat. And I don’t know how to fix it.
long-form:
so there's this social media account at my university where people can submit a comment/compliment to someone random that they come across/a friend/a partner/whoever, and my friend has been going through a bit of a tough time so I submitted a comment about her with the intent to cheer her up. I then, of course, denied that it was me, and so now she's trying to figure out who it possible could have been. not sure if I did the right thing or not in remaining anonymous, but we'll see.
I just realized that I’ve internalized all of the negative ideas about body image that have plagued the women in my family and I’m PISSED! I’ve always had a healthy relationship with my body, but now I can feel my brain trying to sabotage me and it’s getting hard to fight it.
sparkles
short & sweet:
I’m back on T for the first time in a while and I feel so much better!!
My partner opened up the door with biggest smile on his face to see me sitting on the couch. The smile was for seeing me and it was so genuine and pure.
We got my daughter into an additional day of preschool for next year!! Four days!!!!
Hearing owls communicating in my back yard at night.
Stood up for myself. It was hard but so worth it. I’m proud of myself.
Impromptu calls w the crush, full of giggles & butterflies
Learned how to play my favorite song on piano!
Today is my 25th birthday and I’m feeling loved and seen.
THERAPY BREAKTHROUGHS!! Yay me!
My best friend and I will be celebrating our business 5 yr anniversary on 5/18. V proud <3.
My cat is turning 16 this week and I love her so much.
Prioritizing my mental health over my job, which is a big win for me.
I started a podcast and I get butterflies when someone I know says they are listening.
My 8-month old and I had a giggle fest this evening.
Buying bags of ice instead of dealing with ice trays.
This one!!! I’ve recently started doing this and it’s amazing. I love the Sonic bags of crushed ice.
I just got my genetic test results back for the breast cancer gene my mom carries and it’s negative. I cried in relief.
I watched my brother win high jump at his track meet!
My ten month old started waving.
Me and my bf kissed for the first time a few days ago and I’m still over the moon about it.
I took a two week vacation to spend time with my sister and brand new niece Savannah <3
I did something that scared me at work today and crushed it! I’m proud of myself.
I’m proud of you too <3
The sun is out and I got to walk in shorts. Grateful to be alive!
A student of mine wrote me a sweet note about how we are besties.
I’m going home to my mother tomorrow and god I’ve missed her.
I just got back from a 4-week DIY tour playing my music! Very proud of myself :)
I’m going camping with my partner for a week and we’re so excited for campfires!
My premie weighs enough to wear and it feels like a huge milestone.
Theatre prof told me he rly liked my design for our show this weekend, & that he was proud of me.
Delivered the presentation I lost so much sleep on, so glad it’s out the way!
Yay!! So happy for you.
My socially-anxious self started improv class last night and it was absolutely amazing.
I’m having the courage and inspiration to start my business.
Went plant shopping today and got myself a gardening hat.
Kids at school, partner working in-person. Love them all. Finally have the house to myself.
I got a new job after 6 months of unemployment.
Finally able to walk my dog in spring sun yesterday thanks to acupuncture & chiro working.
I made myself birthday macarons with strawberry buttercream and they’re v cute.
Get to see my long distance best friend (and favorite band) in 2.5 weeks!
I move into a house in two weeks with a built in bookcase. It’s THE DREAM.
Omg please send us pictures.
Watching my toddler and baby giggle together - they love each other so much.
Decided to take time off work this morning & ride bikes to school with my kids.
I’m opening my own shop using money I saved for years! I’m so proud of myself.
My toddler started calling me mommy.
I’m 40 years old and having the best sex of my life! Mature communication is so hot.
I started dating my best friend a few months ago - I’ve never loved someone more than him.
My trivia team won bar trivia after taking a few months off.
I’ve broken free from my eating disorder. I’ve finally found freedom and joy again.
The weather is nice on my midwestern college campus & it makes me so happy!!!
My 85 year old neighbor stopped meme on my walk and said everything will be okay.
I just painted & had a dance party to Lizzo with my 3 yr old son. Today’s a good day <3.
I put my pride aside and went to talk to me ex. We’re back together and it’s so fulfilling.
Watching my therapy clients make progress is <3 <3.
I sold my appt and I’m leaving the neighborhood that was so hard on my mental health!
A patient playing me videos of her choir and the patient looking so proud as she shared!
After the worlds darkest and longest winter, it’s finally 75 and sunny in Minnesota.
I feel like life right now is just beautiful and exciting and that I’m doing a good job.
13 weeks pregnant today after 3 early miscarriages.
It’s been 3 months since my bf broke up with me and moved out, and I feel so so free <3
I went on a picnic with my daughter today - 10 month old had some pizza crust.
<3 <3 <3 <3
I started my vegetable garden today! Here’s to hoping those sprouts come through.
In my new job I leave work without feeling stressed, I leave feeling satisfied <3
Made your chocolate espresso shortbread cookies (again) and they’re a big hit :)
My bf told me he loved me for the first time <3
Just got back from a day and a half in the desert and it was soooo invigorating and joyful.
I returned from a trip and my cats have been *extra* loving.
My 2 year old son pets my belly and says “baby Jack”.
Turning heartache into art is helping.
Going to the beach this weekend with my girlfriends, I’m so excited!
I got to hammock for three hours yesterday and absorb some sun!!
A new baby Westie moved into my neighborhood, a year after my 18-year-old Westie passed.
I’m finally happy after even forgetting what it felt like for years.
I reencountered with a summer love from 10 years ago and we fell for each other again.
I just hired my first employee yesterday! My business will soon offer astro/tarot readings!
Got into my top choice clinical psych phd program.
Made new friends while sitting outside on a warm day.
Just got diagnosed with cancer and my friend is stepping up to come wig shopping with me <3
My ex and I decided to be friends yesterday and I’m surprised at how good it feels.
My son took his first steps on Sunday.
I’ve gotten some sun and fresh air every day since Fri & it’s really helped my mental state.
Going to try on engagement rings this weekend <3
Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel of grad school when I thought I might quit last year.
Daughter losing her first tooth last night and her big grin of accomplishment.
First time camping in my boyfriends rooftop tent last weekend was everything.
Finally warm enough for my toddlers to dig in the dirt while I sit drinking my coffee.
One of my clients met his speech therapy goals! We’ve been working 3 years. I cried lol.
Saw a stranger taking time to pick up trash out of country backroad ditches.
Met a guy at a show & slid in the dm’s with my # & we went on a date a week later :’)
I’m pregnant, too :)
My almost 2 year old nephew cannot stop saying my name and smile.
Just found out I’m pregnant after thinking it would never happen for me.
I’m dating for the first time in over 10 years, and it’s going so much better than expected.
Migratory warblers returning to the midwest.
It is my birthday week and we have plans to meet a doggo to maybe adopt!
Just had the best casual sex, not gonna see him again and it’s fine!
I put up a hammock in my living room and it makes me happy to just chill in my hammock with my cat.
My closest friend made me a cake from a recipe in your cookbook (that I gifted her) <3
I got my life-changing migraine meds back after 4 months of fighting insurance!!!
I’m so, so happy for you!
Honestly, your pregnancy announcement was my biggest sparkle all week! Congratulations <3
You announcing your pregnancy felt like a friend telling me she’s pregnant!
Congrats on your pregnancy, that’s the sparkly moment.
There were so many like these, thank you so so much friends!! I’m so grateful for your support and love and it’s made me cry a bunch of times!!
Got engaged in Hawaii this weekend!!!
4 year abortion anniversary and feeling grateful for choice <3
I just got an email telling me that I GOT MY DREAM JOB!
I wrote 3k words for my undergraduate thesis on Sunday!
Today’s my dog’s birthday.
Driving cross country with my Swiftie husband and listening to Taylor’s whole discography!
I finally had enough energy to clean my room! Tackling my laundry next!!
Newborn sleeping 5 consecutive hours!
I made a friend in my lab who is helping me with the DNA work I was having trouble with :)
I’m finally living life as my true, queer, non-monogamous self and it’s pure joy.
GOT MY PERIOD.
I made a mom friend on my street and finally feel less alone.
I’m going to see Boygenius!
Partner brought my home some palak paneer, my favorite food, for dinner.
I went w/ my trans cousin wedding dress shopping & she found her dream dress!
Just found out we are pregnant with identical twins!
I’m reading a new poetry book & it’s so beautiful it makes me cry.
I proposed to my partner and they said yes!!! So happy.
My long distance bf is in town for two weeks and my heart couldn’t be happier.
Sitting outside & reading in the sunshine today made me feel better than I have in months.
Picking up my cap and gown today and feeling all the feels.
My bf booked tickets for us to go see my niece after I got some hard family news.
Just saw my dearly wanted IVF baby on ultrasound, healthy and so cute!
On my way to California with my mom for my birthday!!!
I’m struggling & my partner is really showing up for me. It makes me feel so cared for <3
Teaching myself how to knit, almost finished with my first project!
I just got the most amazing massage my body finally feels great!
There are so many gorgeous flowers in bloom!! <3 <3 <3
My bank card got stuck in a ticket machine & a lovely man called Paolo helped me get it.
About to visit a friend in another country to find out if he’s actually much more than a friend <3. Excited.
My friends baby now says my name (I also watched her be born, so it’s extra special)
I get to see my best friend next week.
Went to a baseball game with perfect weather this weekend - spring is here!!
xoxo,
your favorite becca
things that permanently live at the bottom of my posts:
Submit your secrets/sparkly moments here.
If you need help accessing abortion care, click here or here.
Grab a copy of my choose-your-own-adventure cookbook, Baking by Feel, here!