Harassment & abuse

The “Do They Treat You Well?” Play

by IdeaSmith
I was watching an episode of ‘Kim’s Convenience’ where a concerned (possibly over protective) family is talking to their daughter about her love life. One of them asks, “Does he treat you well?” And I realised no one had ever asked me that. Not family members, not friends, not classmates, peers or anyone who has ... Read More

A Skin Of Dignity

by IdeaSmith
The first ebook I ever bought was ‘Cuckold’ by Kiran Nagarkar. It had come highly recommended by the man seated next to me at a literature festival. A stranger, the two of us bonding in those sudden intimacies that are the magic of city life (if you don’t try to make them into something more). ... Read More

Gehraiyaan: A Good Galentine’s Day Release & An Okay Solo Date Watch

by IdeaSmith
Spoiler alert: This post talks about the film Gehraiyaan & references several key plot points. If you haven’t seen the film & plan to, please do not read further. Trigger warnings: Childhood neglect, self-harm, abuse, infidelity. ~O~O~O~O~O~O~ Yes, I said that. I know today is Valentine’s Day & this film has been promoted as a ... Read More

Love Gardener

by IdeaSmith
We have to separate the feeling from the person who inspires them. We are so literal, we use the words “my love” to describe a sentiment as well as a person. But our feelings are entirely our own, to process, to draw from for poetry, to express in our ways, to take responsibility for & ... Read More

Where’s The Flirty Party?

by IdeaSmith
Flirting feels like a massive party I haven’t been invited to. A concert that’s playing all around me & everyone’s vibing to it, except me. I can’t hear it, I can’t see it. I can pick up when people are attracted to me but that’s from years of being the target of predatory attentions. It’s ... Read More

π—ͺπ—›π—˜π—‘ π—§π—›π—˜ 𝗖𝗒𝗖𝗒𝗒𝗑 π—œπ—¦ 𝗧𝗒𝗒 π—¦π— π—”π—Ÿπ—Ÿ

by IdeaSmith
When you go long enough turning scars into art, you start thinking of wounds as poetry. And the cacophony of imaginary voices, as the orchestra of your soul. You seek out people who call you beautiful when you bleed. People who willing aid you in that process, a little too willingly. I’ve avoided spaces & ...

Fierce Butterflies

by IdeaSmith
There is something about living your best self that draws in other people. We call its wonderful parts, inspiration. The pleasure of watching someone achieve their dream, follow their passion, be happy. But it also pulls in darker sides of humanity. Microaggressions like insincerity, barbs, sarcasm, condescension. Boundary violations like stalking, hero worship, objectification. Dangerous ... Read More

A Voice To Shatter The Glass Ceiling

by IdeaSmith
I became a singer in my student days. I was on workaholic track but some classical training & 2 years of guitar lessons had me considering my vocal potential. Bollywood competitions were respite from classroom debates & projects. So I became a regular on the college festival circuit. The ability to carry a tune I ... Read More

Red On The Floor

by IdeaSmith
I thought about people who hit me. In plural. I experienced enough before adulthood. Yet at 23, when a man I loved hit me, I knew something was wrong. Was it the force of his blow across my face, ears ringing for 6min, long pause to register its wrongness? Or was its public nature- a ... Read More

Different Shades of Grief

by IdeaSmith
How many things shall I grieve? I was watching THAPPAD. I thought about the people who have hit me. In plural. I had experienced enough of it before I touched adulthood. Yet, at 23, when a man I loved hit me, I knew something was wrong. Was it the force of his blow, right across ... Read More