Climacteric NOUN 1 A critical period or event ‘the first major climacteric in 21st-Century poetry’ 2 Medicine The period in life when fertility and sexual are in decline (in women). ‘most women do not experience significant psychological problems at the climacteric’ 3 Botany The ripening period of certain fruits such as apples, involving increased metabolism […]
Things I learned from seeing Caitlin Moran
On the eve of the publication of her second novel, How To Be Famous, Caitlin Moran was in Edinburgh talking about sex. She also talked about lots of other things, but it was mostly sex – good sex, bad sex and solo sex (which doesn’t, I believe, have a bad version). Here’s what I learned […]
Lusting for Poldark and other examples of sexism
“We’re man and wife,” he said. It was my husband speaking about something I can’t remember. Certainly nothing important. Another one of those domestic conversations, half attended to and disregarded before long. Earlier than most if it was of the ‘it’s your turn’ variety. “Hang on a minute,” I said. “That’s sexist, isn’t it?” “No,” […]
Menopause: A manifesto
It should’ve been funny, but it wasn’t. My mood and the success of my day hinged on the presence – or otherwise – of my battery-operated fan – in my bag at work. The other day it wasn’t there, it was sitting in my lovely cool kitchen at home. Damn. I could feel the sweat […]
Housework is a feminist issue
Nearly joking One of today’s jobs A woman’s work is never done. Barefoot, pregnant and chained to the kitchen sink. Maybe that’s a joke, a cliche that’s old hat, but not entirely… Survey after survey show that women do the lion’s share of domestic chores regardless of how much paid work they do. They […]