Good Enough

When I was growing up, it was deemed good just to pass your exams. I was happy getting a C. I was ecstatic with a B. At school now, children strive to achieve a 9, which is the equivalent to an old A**. Last year A* was the highest you could get. There was nothing more than an A when I was at school. The pressure is insane to be 'perfect'.

Then the game is on to get into the best universities, secure the best careers - never mind a job - rent or own a stylish home, travel the world in luxury, get married to the best looking person in the room, have kids, etc, while still keeping lots of friends and getting all those likes on social media.

In addition to all this, teenagers and adults are also under pressure to obtain the ultimate beach body. As far as I am concerned, a bikini body is when you put on a bikini, no matter what your size. Beauty comes in all sorts of forms. If you don't like what you see in the mirror, pretend to yourself that you were a stone heavier and you've just lost the weight. Imagine how pleased with yourself you'd be.

Last year after much protest, I succumbed to watching 'Love Island' with my younger daughter. I thought it would be sexist but the men were as well groomed as the women. The lengths they went to with their fake tans and funky outfits. hair, make-up and white teeth.

My husband and I were sitting around bonfire with friends after last year's show and said there should be another show for middle aged people called 'That'll Do Island.' Contestants would have yellowing teeth, scruffy clothes and be average looking. People choosing would shrug their shoulders and point to someone that was half decent and say 'he'll do." They could sit back, toast marshmallows, smell of smoke and just enjoy the moment.