I believe that every woman who is single should have a chaperon.
Chaperon, by definition, is a French word meaning guardian or escort. Usually an older lady watching over a younger.
It is no longer a very useful word. Most of us have never had one, nor have we wanted one. So it's a bit unusual that I not only have a chaperon, but she's been with me for nearly 15 years.
Hmm, this could explain why I'm still single. Nevertheless...
She's attentive. She's devoted. She's protective. She goes everywhere with me. She's a little snooty. She's—well—French.
When I need space, she leaves me alone. When I need a hug, she's always there. When I'm super busy, she waits patiently. When I get upset, she calms me down.
She mentors me in many ways. I've never had a better role model for how to keep a steady temper, keep physically fit, maintain good nutrition, let loose for fun now & then, hold my tongue in mixed company, speak up when necessary, take time to get enough rest, push myself to new limits, overcome fears & phobias, keep a positive attitude, plus a myriad of other things that bring sunshine to my life when I emulate her...
I love my chaperon!
Our relationship started in 1995, when I was ironically appointed to be her chaperon. My family decided I needed a drastic change in my nowhere life. So they conspired to take my focus off of me, and put it on someone who clearly needed my help. Typical of most chaperon relationships, we resented each other to start.
She was pretty useless. No personality, it seemed. She stared at me a lot. I had to work very hard to nurture her, which was not natural for me. She definitely disrupted my life. She kept me from doing things I'd grown accustomed to doing. But over time it became clear that the changes were good. She got me out of the house to take walks, long drives, visit family, make new friends. The more I was supposed to help her, the more she helped me. Somewhere very early in our relationship, we switched roles. So she has been my chaperon for a long time.
In a twist of fate, I started out her elder, but now she is quite a bit older than I, though you wouldn't know it to watch her in action. She's spry and alert. But time is becoming an enemy to us both.
Her name is Lallow.
She's mine.
I'm hers.
She's a French poodle, but I try not to hold that against her.
I believe that every woman who is single should have a chaperon, no matter the breed.
