Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

While writing today, I came across something that I feel I must write about. As a child and a young adult, I was always addressed as “Little Miss Goody-Two-Shoes.” My mother said it was not a term of endearment and that ‘when kids call you “Little Miss Goody-Two-Shoes” they are ‘putting you down.’

Each time I heard that description, I cringed. Later, as an adult, I heard someone in the workforce describe me as “Little Miss Goody-Two-Shoes,” and a “Pollyanna.”

Here it goes again, I thought, choosing to keep thoughts to myself.

Today, I would like to thank everyone in life who has ever described me in such a way. Little did I know, those descriptions were actually compliments. All of my life I have lived with verbal abuse of my peers, my mother and others. Perhaps surviving the verbal abuse taught me strength, determination, and pride — to stand alone when others criticized me.

Let’s define the terminology of “Little Miss Goody-Two-Shoes.” In the 1700’s, there was a short story published with the title, “Goody Two Shoes.” The term of endearment for me describes someone who strives to be her best, and to do her best…I confess, that description is definitely who I am. Always striving not to say ugly words, and not to gossip or be ugly to others. I have always worked hard to conduct myself as a professional, to be diplomatic and to be kind to others, even those who are ugly to me. Nevertheless, with age, comes wisdom — along with the determination to be equal and to not allow others to mistreat me. Today, I am described as a feminist.  It is true that I have a reputation as an opinionated woman who speaks her mind and most definitely will give my opinion when asked, and many times — when I am NOT asked. I will open doors for men, and the elderly. I say nightly prayers, and I have always worked hard to be a lady. A Southern belle? Not exactly! I am more of the Steel Magnolia — a woman who stands her ground when needed and definitely does not allow a man, or others to push me around. Not anymore! I believe in equality and strive to be all that I can be as a friend, wife, mother and woman.  Thank you all who have ever whispered those descriptions to me, or behind my back. “Little Miss Goody-Two-Shoes,” and “Pollyanna…” Perhaps IF you ever walked in my shoes, you would understand and appreciate that life is too short. We must look for the good, not the bad, and we must learn to smell and appreciate the flowers. Perhaps a cliché? So, are the descriptions.

Yes, I am “Miss Goody-Two-Shoes” and I am proud of who I am today!