Society’s views are finally changing, little by little. The world has recently started to understand the true strength of women. Yet, so many of us feel powerless. Or we don’t get the power we deserve.
We (women) sometimes put ourselves through unnecessary suffering when we have unreasonable ‘personal’ expectations. Forget others, we constantly keep ourselves under a microscope.
Like many little girls, I was bombarded with a long list of expectations. For years I believed that girls have to be nice, they must be gracious. Oh, and can we help you with anything else?
All I heard was “boys will be boys and men will be men.” But girls? What about women?
Because I’m a woman, people expect me to always be accommodating. I am supposed to behave nicely, and always go out of my way to please others. More importantly, I always have to say yes even when I don’t want to because a woman is one who’s always fitting her schedule. No, our priorities and ambitions don’t matter.
The funny bit is that people don’t expect you to have a voice or complain about something. I can’t have limits and I can’t say when I’ve had enough. They don’t think you’re capable of setting boundaries. I must behave like a puppet and always nod and agree with everything this society says.
And the worst part, putting yourself first is a crime. You’ll be called selfish, mean and that’s just so out of a good woman’s character because she puts herself last. Even if I’m broken on the inside, I should smile from ear to ear. Yes, I’m not allowed to ever change that.
It’s like everyone can set boundaries except women. Why do we always have to forgive, forget and move on? Why can’t I call people out or cut toxic people from my life? Why should I always give someone a second chance when I am fully capable of standing up for myself?
It’s sad that our society expects women to always be the bigger person, the nicest person, the forgiving person, the person who’d gladly become a doormat. Unfortunately for some, that’s about to change soon.
Yes, there was a time when I desperately wanted to fit in with the wrong crowd, fulfill someone’s ridiculous expectations which resulted in me becoming something that was not me at all.
Now, I know my worth. More importantly, I know the best time to be nice and when it is the right time to draw the line.
Image credits: Positive Inspirational Quotes – Instagram.