Work from Home to Stay at Home Mom (Mal)

Like most working adults in the world in 2020, Mal didn’t know what to expect when the pandemic hit. Would the neighborhood tavern be open to indoor seating? Would he be able to return to the office next week? Next Month? Next year? Would he be able to find toilet paper this week at the store? His workplace then announced that they would be evolving into a work from home model. Great! No more annoying co-workers, office politics, people stealing lunches out of the fridge in the break room! No more rat race in the morning on the roads. What more could he ask for?

The year went by and Mal became accustomed to the work-at-home lifestyle. No complaints about the actual work load, but there was a level of social engagement that was lacking. As restrictions lifted, his company decided to stay work from home indefinitely. He started venturing out into his neighborhood looking for new friends, but it seemed like all of the men were set in their ways, not wanting anyone new to hang out with and in their clicks. During the day time, he would see a few women that looked about his age walking down the street. Maybe it was time to date again, but considering they were often pushing baby strollers they probably already had a man waiting for them back at the house. One day, he finally struck up conversation with one of the young women outside. She was friendly and made it obvious that she was happily married and had a child in first grade. He soon found himself invited to her house during the day when she said she asked for help moving a large item. While at her house, she said something that caught him off guard. Mal had been letting his hair grow out a bit and she asked if she could style it. He soon felt makeup brushes on his face as she gave him a small touch up to bring out his complexion. The moment felt weird but they soon started hanging out more and more.

After several weeks, the two started shopping together and the friend wanted Mal to try some different styles. Didn’t matter if the clothes came from the women’s section or not! Looks continued to improve as she made recommendations for Mal’s teeth whitening, botox, and lip injections. As their friendship grew, Mal felt like he had gained a great friend, loved the time they spent together, and enjoyed being around her family, even if it made him a little jealous that Mal didn’t have an SO back at the home or any kids yet. The friend soon introduced Mal to other stay at home moms in the neighborhood, but Mal was caught a bit off guard when she introduced him as Mallory and started using female pronouns! SHE got the hint of what was happening. Yes, her life had improved since the friendship started, so why not try living as a woman for a bit.

One year later, Mallory posted a photo of herself in a white blouse with two other moms in the neighborhood to her new social media blog featuring advice on motherhood. Her and the fiance had just adopted a child making her a new mommy! She explained in the photo that she learned from the best and having a strong female support system is important in every stay at home mom’s life!