By Patricia Uyeh

For foremost media personality, Mrs Betty Irabor, travelling premium economy class on a flight was not an enjoyable experience. The CEO of Genevieve Magazine made this known while narrating her travel experience. According to her, she couldn’t enjoy her flight as most people who know her were left wondering why someone of her status and callibre would be flying economy class.

They even went as far as coming to meet her to ask if anything was wrong as they believed that she should have not stooped so low to travel low class.

She wrote: “while ago I travelled Premium economy on Virgin Atlantic and sat comfortably at my seat waiting to enjoy a great flight. But my peace and quiet was not to be cos a few people were embarrassed (on my behalf I guess) by my class of travel.

“Aunty Betty, were you downgraded” someone asked, really concerned and perhaps outraged by the audacity of any airline to down grade such a “high profile celebrity”.

“No”. I shook my head. “I was not downgraded”. I smiled to reassure the aburo as she made her way to Upper Class.

“Then came another “fan” “Aunty Betty, are you Ok, what happened?”. How do you mean? I asked, really surprised…” I thought you would be in Upper Class”.. I just smiled until she left.. Like Really?

“But I wasn’t about to be left to travel my premium economy in peace as yet another “fan” came from her Upper Class seat to ask “Aunty Betty, can I bring you some champagne, do you need anything?”. ( she is now the Air hostess abi?) Again,I said No, I was fine!

“Long and short of the story, I couldn’t travel in peace! People decided to make my business their own!

“Can we just allow people Be?…To make their choices and take jobs that are available while they are waiting for their big breaks? Can a former project fame guy drive cabs in peace before his dream job and career? Can a former actor on Bill Cosby show bag groceries in peace and not be shamed? “

Aunty Betty, as she is fondly called, continued:
“Can we be and let others be?? Can we ourselves just live our best lives without padding anything to impress others who really don’t count? Can we resist societal pressures and live our lives on our terms? Can you just be you and Do you?

“Can you just be happy, married or in your single hood? I urge you to be happy in your up and coming career, can you accept that you’re work in progress? Can you not give a damn abt others expectations? Can you choose not to accept any labeling?

“Can u just not allow anyone/ society dictate how you choose to live? Can u choose not to apologize for your own choices and decisions but be brave to OWN them & hold yourself accountable for any consequences?

“Have a good week.. Don’t burden your self unnecessarily.

“Travel light!”