My Mama’s normal speaking voice is a loud yell. Even when she’s telling me she loves me she shouts it so that everyone up and down the block can hear. I LOVE YOU LYDIA! I grew up thinking that this was normal. That when I became an adult I’d start shouting too cuz that’s how adults talk. Funny thing is when I do come home to visit for holidays and what not I slip into shouting mode. Always freaks out the guy I’m seeing. I can never be sure if he’ll stay or hail a cab. Turns out my Mama is like my secret litmus test. The way I figure it, I’ll be her someday. Better to know now whether or not the guy’s a keeper.