“Go down to the polling station NOW” I shout in exasperation to my husband, “and leave me to write my blog in peace.”
Yes, I am on edge today as Britain votes on its future in Europe. My husband is voting to remain, but can’t resist teasing me with a whole list of arguments in favour of leaving the EU.
For a moment I consider frogmarching him down to the polling station to make sure he really votes to stay. After all, Balkan style voting is something I have experienced first hand.
In 2001, while spending a few months in the Balkans researching my doctoral thesis, I had the opportunity to serve as an OSCE election observer in Macedonia where I saw more than a few husbands voting on behalf of their wives and elderly relatives.
“I’m going, I’m going” my husband moans, and as he leaves the house, I take a few deep breaths to calm myself down.
Six months ago the prospect of Britain leaving the EU seemed reassuringly slim, and I even joked about it in my first – and only – stand-up comedy performance.
Unbeknownst to her, my daughter – five years old at the time – was the source of my jokes. One night as I put her to bed, she’d suddenly suggested that since I wasn’t British and my English wasn’t very good, I ought to go back to Sweden.
“What about you, your sister and your dad?” I asked, unable to hide my hurt feelings.
“Oh, we’ll come and visit you,” was the answer.
I got some good laughs out of retelling this story on stage and suggesting that given the chance, my daughter would vote UKIP and have me deported.
But who’s laughing now? Next time, I’ll think twice before I take advantage of my children for comedic purposes.
Some people believe that we manifest reality with our thoughts. If that’s the case, I’d better be careful. I won’t assume the worst and fill out that application for British citizenship just yet.
There’s still hope. Surely, a majority of Brits will come to their senses and vote to remain in the EU.
Let’s manifest that reality!
Born Whole 