Stories I Tell Myself

Linda Brody Bakst on Brooklyn, growing up, identity and more

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Author | Brooklyn-born Jewish American on a search for identity & deeper meaning. Debut book “More than Matzoh Balls” out 2/15.

Category: human behavior

  • Eccentricities

    Nadal arranging his water bottles. Photo grabbed from https://www.tennislifemag.com/rafas-rituals-so-much-to-do-before-he-can-play/ Gary was watching tennis on television the other day. Rafael Nadal was playing. Aside from the fact that he is one of the best tennis players of all time, Nadal is interesting because he offers a host of ritualistic behaviors that are far beyond any other…

  • Privacy

    A snippet of conversation overheard: “I can’t think of anything worse than finding a picture posted of me on the Internet without my permission,” he said. “I don’t actually remember if he asked before he posted,” she replied. She didn’t sound perturbed by it. “He may have asked, I don’t remember…..I mean, I don’t like…

  • Crime or Misdemeanor

    ‘Crimes or misdemeanors.’ My husband uses that phrase when we talk about making judgments about people’s behavior. We are walking in our neighborhood and I am telling him about my distress because someone disappointed me. After listening to me vent for a bit, he will ask, “Crime or misdemeanor?” a reminder to put things in…

  • When is Enough, Enough?

    When is enough, enough? The question resonates today. Last Wednesday, when the U.S. Capitol was overrun by a mob, I hoped we had finally arrived at an answer, at least on the national political stage. I had enough of Trump and his rhetoric long, long ago. I hoped that my fellow citizens would finally arrive…

  • Genies and Bottles

    “You can’t put the genie back in the bottle,” I said. I don’t remember what prompted my remark, but Leah, my daughter, had an interesting reaction. “Maybe you can. What do we know about genie-world?” I laughed. “Well, true, but it’s an expression…” “I know, but why is it? What are the rules of genies?…

  • Healing

    Healing is on my mind. I thought Joe Biden struck the right tone in his speech Saturday night. He appealed to Americans to stop looking at each other as the enemy if we belong to a different political party. Easier said than done, though. I am fortunate in that I don’t have a lot of…

  • A Lying Liar

    My parents taught me that lying was wrong.  Their argument was five-fold: First, ultimately the truth comes out; maybe not immediately, but in time it would emerge, and you would be embarrassed or ashamed to be caught in that lie. Second, your lie could hurt someone, and we didn’t want to hurt other people if…

  • Revisiting Controversy

    Note: Today is Columbus Day or Indigenous People’s Day. It seems apropos to revisit another historical controversy – one not quite so long ago. Also, I’d like to give a shout out to my cousin Ira, celebrating a milestone birthday today, having been through a lot more than most. I wish him health, happiness and…

  • Moral Clarity

    Moral clarity. Those were the words that came to mind when I learned that Rep. John Lewis had died. He had a moral compass and followed it. I asked my husband, “Is that a rare quality?” Gary thought about it for a bit and said, “I don’t know.” “It sure seems like it is,” I…

  • Why Violence?

    Night and day (Photo on left: AP/Alex Brandon; Photo on right: AP/Seth Wenig) I watch with horror the violence and destruction that seems to accompany peaceful protest. I admire the protesters, the ‘wall of moms,’ and believe they are acting in good faith. Who is to blame for the fact that it devolves into riot?…