Photos of children are strictly verboten at my school. A teacher could lose her job for that!

Same.

So this is what being out of the loop really looks like.

A completely unscientific poll of my facebook friends (Arab, American, Aussie, Brit, black, white, Muslim, non-Muslim) who nearly all live or have lived in the Gulf region says: cool.

I don’t think there’s any appropriation happening?

An abaya very much IS a fashion statement over here in the UAE.

The fact that it would be awkward to wear abayas every day at my current job is definitely a detriment. Not least to my budget.

Heck yes! Abayas are a gift. Not sure what to wear? Abaya. Need to look polished and professional? Abaya. Exhausted & cannot fathom getting out of your jammies? Abaya. Want men to stop staring at your tits? Abaya. Going to a fancy event and want a glorious reveal? Abaya!

Same. I mean, I want to, but I just...don't.

Checked in with my Manc friends. This is a completely accurate representation of their memories.

This is the best thing ever. Am now going to share it with my fellow psych students.

I love “summered” and am going to use that from now on. Except when I winter somewhere.

I thought the same. In the South, in a small or informal or whatever office, “be a peach” is entirely inoffensive. Would I do a double-take if someone said this to me? Yes. Would I think it condescending? Probably. But then I’m always the uppity Yankee bitch when amongst my Southern colleagues, so...there’s that.

Agreed! Once a long time ago I wanted to henna my hair (it’s light - ginger - I have since chosen not to henna) and checked out all the options. Hennasooq was by far the best for an ignorant Midwestern beginner!

Look, I’m a Prada fan since my first Vogue, AND I like pretty dresses, but...This is just unpleasant.

I have rather successfully created a whole life built around the needs of other people. It’s awful. I am way too old for that shit. Tomorrow I’m moving to a new smaller flat with no room for company and I cannot wait.

My flatmate is 28 and Canadian and also didn’t know.

This is the music of my 2000s.

Man, I was even in the US then! But far too deep into Jesus music. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.

Dirty as hell, WITH CARNIVAL MUSIC? Where do I sign up? (I have been out of the US for too long.)