The first time I stole something, I felt an excitement that I did not know was possible. It was not long before I stole from a store for the second time, and soon it became something that I was doing just for the sake of doing it.
I came from a family with money, so it was not that I needed these things. I honestly don't know why I kept doing it, nor did I give it much thought. One day I was out with my mom shopping and she saw me put scarf into my purse. Not only did she have me put it back- but she made me tell the shop owner that I was planning to steal it.
We live in a small town and this was mortifying because the owner has known me since I was a little girl. The owner looked hurt when I told her and it made me realize she'd felt I'd taken from her personally. I've never seen my mother so upset. On the ride home she talked at length about our reputation in the community. She had me tell my Dad and brothers what happened and it felt like the Scarlet Letter.
We both took an online theft class. To be honest, I'm glad I got caught. My Mom was right, to be angry and it helped me talk about why I'd started stealing and how imperfect I felt being part of this "ideal" family. I'd experienced so much pressure to get good grades, be social, look pretty, and wear the best outfits but I didn't feel this way. It felt like a role I was playing to please my parents. Inside I was suffering. I was insecure and felt they wouldn't love me if I failed.
Taking the class helped me learn a lot about myself and how to communicate the truth. I'm glad I got caught.
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