Cristen

Well, at some point though, I don’t think that that would even exist because I think the whole point of these – and when I’m talking about debutante balls, I’m talking about the ones like the international ball, like these $14,000 table ones. They’re never going to open it up because the wealthy exclusive class of people aren’t going to go if everybody can go.

Molly

True.

Cristen

I think that’s half the point of this whole tradition, is the fact that it’s exclusive and some average Joe on the street couldn’t just stroll in and start dancing with someone, you know, and then somehow have a leg up in society.

Molly

That’s true. But I do wonder, Cristen, when our generation of women becomes that very wealthy upper class, will it still be as important to us? I mean maybe we’re the generation where when we have daughters, we’re like, ah, I don’t know if you want to spend $14,000 on this. I mean do you think that yes, they’re well rooted in our history, but at the same time, I think it’s easy to say that there’s a pretty big divide between our parents and this generation. Maybe they’ll die out.

Cristen

Yeah, they could. I think that they could certainly die out. I mean I think that there are going to be different pockets of the country, I mean like Texas and like the South in general is a little more known for debutantes. But I don’t know. I mean I’m sure that there are going to be similar events to it that are going to hang around for a long time.

Molly

So you will just have to continue to be a class warrior.

Cristen

I guess so you know, and if I do happen to have $14 grand extra, sorry, future daughter, you’re not getting a table at the International Deb Ball.

Molly

You’re going to summer camp.

Cristen

We’re going on a cruise.

Molly

Which is honestly just as awesome?

Cristen

Yeah.

Molly

So write to us. What do you think about debutante balls? Were you one? Did you know one and hate her because she was a massive snob? Which I think Cristen might have had that experience.

Cristen

No.

Molly

No. I’m just joshing with Cristen. So write to us, either way, whatever you think about it, let us know what you think, Mom Stuff at howstuffworks.com, and we will do just a few quick emails from people who have written to Mom Stuff at howstuffworks.com. So the first email is from Sarah who requested that we read her email because she has something to say to you guys. She wrote to us after she heard the podcast on women’s hair loss. And she writes, “When I was little, 3 or 4, I pulled out my hair constantly, especially at night.

My mom had to work hard to cover up my bald spots in the morning. I never understood why I kept doing it. Eventually I started biting my nails, twirling my hair, picking at the skin on my hands and other many mutilations. I’d known since I was about 7 that I was depressed and that I was always an anxious kid. I was finally diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety last year. I’m 16 now and I was miserable for 12 years of my life because my brain doesn’t function like a normal person. I’m on antidepressants and my tics have all gotten much better, especially the hair pulling. Please read my email to your listeners. I want everyone to know that this can happen to kids, as well as grown women, and it is possible to get better.

I encourage everyone to seek help for themselves or a loved one who is suffering.”