#myth-busting

Over the years, a prevalent belief that the Romanov Grand Duchesses, Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia, did not go shopping continues to be repeated. Some historians have even suggested that the girls did not know how paying for items worked. However, primary sources including those written by people who knew the girls, were members of their entourage, and the Grand Duchesses' own diaries, tell a different story...

"Saturday. 10 August. … We walked along the historic boulevard and the main streets, but crowds followed us everywhere, so we were able to go into only 2 shops for a minute..." "Friday. 15 November. Had lessons, after that went shopping for wool with Nastenka as usual.." From Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna’s 1913 diary [my underlining]

In this entry, Olga describes shopping Countess Anastasia 'Nastenka' Vassilievna Hendrikova, who was a young lady-in-waiting at court and a particular favourite of the Grand Duchesses, often accompanying them on trips. As described in the first entry, it appears that safety and security concerns due to crowds, rather than a lack of understanding about shops, contributed to the Grand Duchesses not being able to shop frequently. Nastenka is frequently mentioned by the Grand Duchesses in their diaries, and volunteered to join the Romanov family in their house arrest and imprisonment. She was murdered by the Bolsheviks in September 1918.

"After coffee, I went for a walk with my pupils… They really liked to go to the shops and buy everything. Anastasia Nikolaevna was especially attracted to stores, where they sold doll shoes of various sizes… Tatiana Nikolaevna did not always accompany since the doctors found her heart was weak and she went with the Empress to take baths." A Few Years Before the Catastrophe by Sofia Ivanovna Tyutcheva [my underlining].

This was was written by Sofia Ivanovna Tyutcheva, who was a maid-of-honour to Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna. In 1907 she was appointed as governess to the Grand Duchesses. The Grand Duchesses referred to her affectionately as "Savanna", a mix of her first name and patronymic. She was dismissed in 1912 when she voiced concerns over Grigori Efimovich Rasputin. She wrote a short memoir in 1945, from which this quote originates, and passed away in 1957.

"[The] Grand Duchesses went shopping in the morning with one of the ladies-in-waiting to the Empress. They delighted in that because they could mix with the crowd and buy things just as everyone else did, and they were so pleased if they were not recognised at once." -- Upheaval - Olga Voronova [my underlining]

This was written by Countess Olga Konstantinovna Voronova, who was part of the aristocratic Kleinmichel family. In 1914 she married one of the Romanov girl's favourite officers, Pavel Alexeievich Voronov. Through these connections, Olga Konstantinovna became a friend of the Grand Duchesses, exchanging frequent letters with Olga and Tatiana in particular, before and after the Revolution. She published her memoirs in 1932. Once again, it is inferred that being recognised and subsequent security concerns stifled the Grand Duchesses' shopping sprees.

Where did the myth come from?

It appears that the myth came about due to this extract from Margaretta Eagar, an Irish nanny who cared for the children from 1898 to 1904:

Her only knowledge of shops and shopping was derived from the toy and sweet shops in Darmstadt. One day she asked me why the Americans spoke English, not American. I told her the story of the Pilgrim Fathers, and described how they built houses and shops, and so made towns. She was exceedingly interested and inquired, ' Where did they find the toys to sell in the shops ? " Six Years at the Russian Court, by Margaretta Eagar

It appears that some historians forgot that Margaretta Eagar moved on from her nanny position in 1904, when the eldest Grand Duchess was nine and the youngest was three - young children. It seems they did not look for sources from when the Grand Duchesses had grown up and had slightly more independence, which was encouraged by their parents.

Over time, the myth appears to have been exaggerated and repeated until it became part of the 'folklore' surrounding the Romanov Grand Duchesses, portraying them as isolated and naïve.

Whilst it is clear that the Grand Duchesses did enjoy going shopping in their lifetimes, safety and security concerns meant they could not enjoy shopping as frequently as other teenagers may have, in the same way royals today would not be able to go to shops without being recognised. There was a chance that a crowd could gather. Similarly, Olga and Tatiana appear to have shopped more than the younger pair, Maria and Anastasia, likely due to being older in age and therefore having more independence.

Photos:

First set, left: Olga, Anastasia (hidden behind Olga), and Maria Shopping in Germany, 1910. Right: Olga and Tatiana out shopping in the Isle of Wight, 1909, accompanied by Dr. Evgeny Botkin (in the suit)

Second set, left: Tatiana and Maria shopping with Sofia Ivanovna Tyutcheva, circa 1910. Right: The Grand Duchesses and their entourage by shops, most likely taken in Germany, 1910

Sources:

Journal of a Russian Grand Duchess: Complete Annotated 1913 Diary of Olga Romanov, Eldest Daughter of the Last Tsar, translator Helen Azar, (Independently published: 2015)

A Few Years Before the Catastrophe: The Memoirs of Sofia Ivanovna Tyutcheva, translator George Hawkins, (Independently published: 2020)

Upheaval, Olga Voronova (Woronoff), (New York; London: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1932) -- Free to read online here

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective tools for long-term weight loss and the management of obesity-related diseases. Yet, it’s surrounded by myths that can confuse or even discourage those who need it most.

Let’s bust the top 10 myths and get to the facts.

1. Myth: Bariatric Surgery Is the “Easy Way Out”

Fact: Bariatric surgery requires lifestyle changes, dietary discipline, and long-term commitment. It’s a medical tool — not a shortcut.

2. Myth: You Can Eat Whatever You Want After Surgery

Fact: Post-surgery success depends heavily on healthy eating habits. Overeating or poor food choices can lead to complications or weight regain.

3. Myth: Bariatric Surgery Is Only for Extremely Obese People

Fact: It’s also recommended for people with a lower BMI if they have comorbidities like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or hypertension.

4. Myth: It’s Too Risky

Fact: With advancements in laparoscopic and robotic surgery, bariatric surgery is now considered very safe — especially when performed by experts like Dr. Shashank Shah.

5. Myth: You’ll Instantly Lose All the Weight

Fact: Weight loss is gradual. Most patients lose 60–80% of their excess weight over 12–18 months.

6. Myth: Bariatric Surgery Is Only About Weight Loss

Fact: It can lead to remission of type 2 diabetes, improvement in heart health, joint pain relief, and better mental health.

7. Myth: You’ll Never Gain Weight Again

Fact: Some weight regain can happen without follow-up care. However, most patients maintain significant weight loss long-term with proper support.

8. Myth: It Causes Serious Nutritional Deficiencies

Fact: With routine supplements and follow-up care, nutritional levels are well-managed in most patients.

9. Myth: You Can’t Have Kids After Bariatric Surgery

Fact: Fertility often improves after weight loss. Doctors usually advise waiting about a year post-surgery before planning pregnancy.

10. Myth: All Bariatric Surgeries Are the Same

Fact: Different procedures suit different needs — like Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, or Mini Gastric Bypass. The right one depends on your medical profile and goals.

Final Word

Bariatric surgery is a scientifically backed, safe, and effective option for those struggling with obesity and related diseases. Don’t let misinformation hold you back from a healthier future.

As a therapist, I’m reminded on almost a daily basis that relationships are complicated and often challenging to navigate. When people from different walks of life come together to form a partnership, conflict is inevitable. Sometimes, couples therapy can provide the guidance and support needed to strengthen our bonds. Unfortunately, couples therapy is often surrounded by myths that discourage people from seeking help. Let's debunk some of these common misconceptions and destigmatize couples therapy.

Myth #1: Only Troubled Relationships Need Therapy

Many people mistakenly believe that couples only attend therapy as a last-ditch effort to save their relationship. However, in one study, only 14 percent of couples started therapy to figure out whether they could save the relationship or whether they should part ways (Parker, 2019). Couples may attend therapy for a myriad of reasons. In fact, the same study found that 46 percent of couples wanted to handle conflict better, 30 percent wanted to restore their bond, and 25 percent felt they were doing well and just wanted to enhance some part of their union (Parker, 2019).

Couples therapy can be a proactive and positive step for any couple, regardless of the severity of their issues. It can help enhance communication skills, deepen emotional intimacy, and provide tools for navigating challenges together. Therapy is a resource for growth, not just a last resort.

Myth #2: Couples Therapy Is Only for Married Couples

Couples therapy is not exclusive to married couples. It can benefit couples at any stage of their relationship, including those who are dating, engaged, or in long-term partnerships. The goal is to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and create a healthier connection, regardless of legal marital status.

Myth #3: Therapists Take Sides

A skilled couples therapist is neutral and impartial. Their role is not to take sides but to facilitate open communication and guide both partners toward understanding each other's perspectives. The goal is to promote mutual understanding and resolution rather than assigning blame.

It is also important for couples to have a warm and supportive therapeutic relationship with their therapist, not only for their personal well-being but also for improving their relationship. Studies indicate that when couples establish a deeper rapport with their therapist, it correlates with enhancements in their romantic bond (Parker, 2019). Developing this type of therapeutic relationship can only happen when a therapist is neutral and supportive of all parties involved.

Myth #4: Couples Therapy Is Only for Big Problems

Couples therapy is not limited to resolving significant crises. It can address many concerns, from communication issues and lack of intimacy to daily stressors and future planning. Therapy can also act as a preventative tool for addressing minor concerns before they escalate into more significant challenges down the road.

Myth #5: Therapy Is a Sign of Failure

Starting couples therapy does not mean that you have failed as a couple. Due to social stigma, it’s common for couples to experience a sense of inadequacy or shame (Parker, 2019). However, another way to see it is as a brave and proactive step toward building a healthier relationship. Couples therapy demonstrates a commitment to personal and relational growth. Just as people seek professional help for personal development, couples can benefit from therapy to strengthen their connection and navigate challenges more effectively. Instead of viewing couples therapy as a failure, consider it an important step to creating a successful relationship.

Couples therapy is a valuable resource that can benefit relationships at any stage. While it may not be for everyone, it is crucial to destigmatize couples therapy for those who might benefit from it. Taking the step toward therapy is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the strength and commitment to building a fulfilling and resilient partnership.

Remembering Jutland – New Zealand style

It’s 105 years, this 31 May, since the Battle of Jutland – the only clash of the great dreadnought fleets built during the Anglo-German naval race that came before the First World War. One of my two great uncles serving with the Royal Navy at the time was there, aboard the super-dreadnought HMS Orion. And there was also a sharp New Zealand connection – the battlecruiser New Zealand, a gift from…

Final chapter from Terry's Eating Places: "Chapter 112: an extra helping"

My nephew Don sent me this list which I read. The problem with such lists is that the author becomes stretched in trying to make something out of nothing. I wonder if the anonymous author actually lived through the fifties (or did any basic research – Ian). My comments are in italics. Can you remember ??? Yes, I can. Vividly. (more…)