When we separated, though, I can say the first thing I truly bought for myself was an iPhone. It may seem like a small purchase to some, but to me, it meant everything because I did it on my own, with no one’s help. That felt good—it was the first real purchase I made completely by myself.

What clothing store do you feel most comfortable in? How might this be shaped by your social location? Have you ever been made to feel out of place in a retail environment because of gender, age, class, or race?

The clothing store I find most comfortable to shop at is Walmart. The main reason for this choice is affordability. I do not feel the need to spend a significant amount of money on jeans or other clothing items that I primarily use for work or running errands. I have also never been someone who prioritizes spending large amounts on clothing in general. My social location influences this decision as well. At my age, I do not feel compelled to spend extensively on myself, and I am more focused on practicality and value.

However, when it comes to my children, my perspective shifts. I have purchased more expensive jeans for them because they believe the material is of higher quality.

The food that is most important to me is menudo because of the tradition it represents from my childhood. It holds a special place in my life, as it was typically prepared for special occasions and enjoyed with family. Sharing the process of cooking and the meal itself created a sense of togetherness and connection. I recognize that menudo may have been considered an expensive dish, as it was only made at certain times, and the ingredients were likely costly when I was growing up. This tradition highlights the cultural and familial significance of food, as well as how economic factors can influence when and how certain dishes are prepared. I don't think it holds the same relevance today due to companies making it in factories and people eating it a lot more than when I was a child, when it was made on special occasions.

This reading made me realize how significant body language is in everyday life, whether at work, in public, or at home. Going forward, I plan to pay closer attention to body language to better understand what people might be feeling or thinking.