Paris recalls being restricted in nearly every aspect of teenage life: she wasn’t allowed to date, wear makeup, attend school dances, or even dress in certain ways.
Her mother also enrolled her in etiquette classes, intending to prepare her as a debutante — a process Paris initially found artificial and restrictive.
Yet, Paris’ adventurous spirit often clashed with these constraints. Even as a young girl, she displayed curiosity, intelligence, and a love for animals.
Family members recall Paris saving money to buy monkeys, snakes, and goats. On one occasion, she left a pet snake outside its cage at the Waldorf-Astoria, creating a minor household crisis.
Her childhood blended wealth and privilege with a sense of strict control, leaving her feeling constrained and longing for freedom. Continue reading…