Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
Motherhood: To Be or Not to Be
“So, when are you two planning on having kids?” A question asked during holidays and events from friends and family that I dread more than anything. At 24-years-old I feel like the last thing I want to worry about is taking care of another human life. Yes, I have thought about having kids in my future, but that future is still far off. This does not make me selfish or lacking of some type of love in my life. For some reason, women get told they are ‘selfish’ if they don’t intend on having children one day. Are men treated the same way when asked?
By Ashlyn Harper8 years ago in Viva
Are You Always Going to Pick an Abuser?
As a newly remarried woman I have definitely had this question cross my mind; just because my first marriage was abusive does that mean my second one will be too? It's a heavy question and an important question for anyone to ask, especially if they have already been in an abusive relationship.
By Janet Rhodes8 years ago in Viva
When I Realized I Am Aromantic
Never have I ever felt a fluttering in my tummy relating to another human being. Never have I ever looked at other couples and felt a gaping wound at my side, as if realizing I was without an important limb everyone else had. I've honestly just...never really felt inclined to date anyone. I've never even had a crush. I'm twenty-two-years-old and have never once dated and, though it's never bothered me, the solo act, I have often wondered why I wasn't feeling the urge for it. Why did I never call up my friends, bemoaning a lack of significant other with which to cuddle and snuggle and lose myself in romantic overtures with?
By Delise Fantome8 years ago in Viva
15 Embarrassing Things Women Do Behind Closed Doors
If only our friends and family knew what we did in the privacy of our own home and behind closed doors. There are times when I do something that is so strange, even though I am completely alone, I still blush with embarrassment at the thought of getting caught. However, even though I often think, "I wonder if other chicks do this," I know with certainty I am not alone. Everybody is weird in their own right and all people have bizarre habits, most that will never be admitted. Perhaps this article will make you feel better, as in you are not alone in your peculiar ways, or perhaps it will have you cringing in guilt and shame. Either way, you are not alone.
By Jus L'amore8 years ago in Viva
'Smile': A Human Problem
If you’re a woman, then you know that creepy older man that always says “smile, it’s not that bad.” And then he winks and watches you walk away, thinking you don’t notice or feel his eyes. He chuckles, thinking he is just so smart. He murmurs something to his male friends that you by choice ignore, but if you really wanted to hear, you could because they're truly not that far away.
By Katrina Thornley8 years ago in Viva
Me Too
I don't think there is anybody who has not been affected by this movement. Maybe it has provided an opportunity for you to open up about your own experiences. Maybe it has opened your eyes to the extent of people who have a story. Maybe you learnt a close friend or family member has had an experience of their own. In any case, I'm sure your eyes have been opened.
By Rian Doherty8 years ago in Viva
You Don't Know Until You Know
Growing up as a girl, you're taught to live in fear. You're told not to dress a certain way, act a certain way, and never walk around alone at night. Don't drink, otherwise there might just be a man hiding in the bushes in a dark alley way just waiting to attack. Always make sure someone knows where you are, where you are going, and what time you will be home.
By Letitia Lou8 years ago in Viva
The “R” Word
Some of you may know what “r” word I will be referring to, and for those of you who don’t, you’ll pick up on it. May 2017, I was home, waiting for my parents to leave the house so I’d be able to sneak out and go see a boy I had a crush on. I was 14 at the time and dumber than ever. It took 30 minutes to convince my parents that I’d be fine at home by myself and when they finally left, it felt like the biggest accomplishment I’d ever achieved. As they left the driveway, I quickly grabbed my phone and opened snapchat to tell the guy that he should start driving to my house. This was the first time I lied to my parents face like that. I hated it. I didn’t want to in the first place, but the guy convinced me we’d have a great time and I wouldn’t regret lying to them. He had my 14-year-old naive self convinced. He told me the plan was to jam out in his car and smoke some pot. A few minutes before he arrived, I texted our mutual friend whom also introduced the boy and I to each other and told her I was seeing him again. She immediately responded telling me to not see him and that I’m stupid for wanting to see him again. I kept asking her why and she never answered me. I was still texting her as I stepped into his car. I put my phone up and there wasn’t much talk at all, he just asked where to park and I led him to a dead end by my house. Once he parked, he pulled my shirt and shoved his lips on mine and bit my lip so hard I thought I was bleeding. Before I could even process what was happening he pulled me on top of him, he then unbuttoned his pants and said he liked the way I looked at it. He pushed my head down and wouldn’t stop until I was choking on him. He hit the right side of my back and butt multiple times, with me trying to scream every hit. He pulled me up and choked me with his hand. He whispered “this is what you get for making me wait to see you” He kept a tight hold on my neck until my eyes started to water. The said, “I want to stick my d*ck in you.” I closed my eyes and was waiting for me to wake up from this nightmare. I heard him keep calling me beautiful and wouldn’t stop trying to convince me to have sex with him. Before I said anything he told me to get in the back seat, already pushing through the space between the two front seats. Thinking back, I could have left then, I could have ran and none of what happened next would have happened. He took advantage of me. The whole time he switched from intercourse to oral on him. He was very forceful. He kept hitting my back and bottom every chance he got. I had bruises for days. He told me to call him daddy and talk dirty to him. When I refused, he choked me until my neck was sore. He told me to turn around with my back to him. He told me that he was going to put his penis into my butt. I finally got the courage to say “no, no, no, please, stop, I don’t want this, stop, it hurts, it hurts.” He didn’t even hesitate. he kept going. Somehow I eventually pushed him off. I started to cry. I could hear the anger and frustration in his voice. I knew to be careful. He kept saying that he was sorry and to let him finish. He kept trying to get me to swallow his semen. He tried to push my head on him but I resisted and shut my mouth. He grabbed my hair and forced my head in from of him and finished on my chest. I was so weak. I didn’t want to move. I didn’t want to breathe. I wish he would have brought a gun and killed me right then. He asked me if I was going to leave or just stay in his car like the lazy slut I was. I got out of the car and started to walk home, crying. As soon as I got home, I saw my parents. They asked me where I was and I told them I went for a walk. I quickly ran to my bathroom telling them that I slipped in mud and felt gross. I took a shower, even though I already took one earlier that day and scrubbed my body until my skin was red, but nothing seemed to rub the dirt he left that would be on my skin for the rest of my life.
By Kaeleigh Miracle8 years ago in Viva
