I’m Pathologically Demand Avoidant. It Rules.
A need for freedom & healthy suspicion of authority has protected me, not hurt me.
It’s the summer of my first year in graduate school and I’m standing in a small office on Northwestern’s campus. I’m there for a job interview, for some short-term research assistant position, and my sweaty body’s at ease in a stretchy cotton skirt and loose blouse. My hair is hanging freely at my shoulders, unmolested by a brush, and my face, as always, is bare.
A printed-out copy of my resume sits in a manila folder in front of me — both office supplies having been stolen from my main job. There’s a lilt in my step as I roam idly around the room. I’m pleased by the gentle weather and the peace that a semester off from my studies will bring. I even begin humming to myself.
The hiring manager walks in, in a full suit and full face of makeup. My goofy, unfiltered appearance makes her open her mouth with surprise. I just smile back, obliviously. She brings me back to her office and quizzes me about my work experience and statistical knowledge. I rattle the answers off, feeling zero stress. Everything seems to be going well from my perspective, when suddenly, about ten minutes into the exchange, everything comes to a halt.
