Marissa, why are your eyes closed?

There are a few things I know to be true about myself.

For starters I was born to be a ginger—it’s a fact.

Second, in another life I’m convinced I was Xena, warrior princess of the Amazon.

And third, I have squinty eyes.

Now, my friends, I’ve always had these squinty eyes, it’s a Watson trait I’m pretty sure, my older brother Josh’s in-laws often say they know when he’s up to something, because he starts to smile with his eyes before his mouth. I’d say in my family Josh and I have the squintiest of the eyes. And you know what, It has been a trait I’ve always loved about myself—because it’s different! Sure it comes with some hassle, like school pictures—I always have to take them multiple times because it LOOKS like my eyes are closed (As an fyi, they’re OPEN).

In my 18 years of living I’ve had probably about 5 comments total about my eyes, generally it’s the ‘you look Asian when you smile’ comment, or ‘your squinty eyes are cute’ (Thank you Emily) but, since coming to college something new has arisen.

What’s that Marissa?

BULLYING. Yes, bullying mean bullies.

Sadly these bullies happen to be my close friends. The bullying comments I often receive are so mind-boggling clever it’s amazing no one thought of them before.

Two of my personal favorites:

“Marissa sees less of life.”

“Marissa why are your eyes closed?”

I can’t help it guys! I HAVE SQUINTY EYES. And I smile a lot! Maybe I DO see less of life, but ya know what? If the reason I ‘see less’ is because my eyes are squinted in a smile—I’m okay with that.

And I know this is a silly way of leading into this, but I just want anyone reading this to know, if there’s anything you don’t feel confident in, God made you just the way you are—and he delights in you, so find your delight in Him.

Peace my brethren.

p.s. I’m not offended in the least by those comments, if you have any more clever ones than these, I’d love to know. J

My biggest obstacle in life, overcoming the closed-eye look.