‘Female Experiences’ That Are Normalized In Society But Are Actually Really Messed Up
It's no secret that men and women tend to experience the world differently—with society putting different pressures and expectations on each, it's no surprise that our experiences are not the same.
However, there are a lot of experiences that women have that are considered "normal" in society but are definitely messed up.
You Shouldn't Have To Be Nice
When women express that they're uncomfortable, they're often criticized or questioned.
For example, they'll be asked if they provoked the guy first or are told that they should just "lighten up" because "it was just a joke."
Let Girls Play Like Boys Play
Truly, it's so messed up that little girls don't get to explore and play in the same ways boys do because of their appearance.
Sure, dresses are cute, but dressing girls so they can play outside and risk getting messy is so much better for them.
We Want Equality
You know, it made sense for women to do almost all the domestic work when that was their sole job throughout the day as stay-at-home wives.
The fact that some women still take on the brunt of the housework while having jobs is appalling.
Just Unsolicited Comments
I find that this is especially telling when it comes to politics.
A female candidate will be scrutinized on her appearance and her discussion points at a debate, but her male competitors will only have his points commented on.
Seriously, Why Does It Still Happen?
Catcalling is not a compliment, despite what some men will argue.
All it does is make the woman receiving the comments feel unsafe while she's simply trying to walk in a public space.
They're Really So Bad
Sometimes, I think about how if men were the ones who had periods, there would be monthly time off for them when they were going through extensive cramping.
Instead, our ability to make decisions is questioned because of "PMS."
Childbirth Terrifies Me Because Of How It's Dealt With
Pregnancy can be really taxing on a woman's body and can create serious health complications for her.
What makes it so much worse is the way that so many women's health concerns during pregnancy and childbirth are overlooked, which can be fatal for them.
You Never See It Happen The Other Way
This bothers me the most in professional spheres because it's such a clear representation of who is respected and taken seriously.
You would never see a man in most workplaces referred to as a "boy."
Truly, Nothing
A woman likes something traditionally masculine, like football? She's only doing it to impress men.
A woman likes something traditionally feminine, like fashion trends? She's shallow and stupid. There is no way to win.
Girls Shouldn't Have To Endure Harassment As A "Rite Of Passage"
I'll never forget the first time that a man in his thirties hit on me in a public park. When I told him my age, he referred to me as "jailbait."
I was 12. Worst of all, people just treated it as something that happens.
Parenthood Just Isn't For Everyone
If you choose to have children, good for you: I hope you find it a fulfilling experience.
However, women are simply expected to have children or are told they're "missing out on an aspect of womanhood" if they don't.
It's Like You Don't Even Really Exist In The Conversation Sometimes
"... I recently had a two-minute conversation with four of the men in my department (I'm the only woman there), and I had three of them in series each claim I was wrong about a different technical point, then immediately tell me the 'correct' answer which was exactly what I had just told them."
Going To The Doctor Is Something I Dread At This Point
When a woman goes to see a doctor with a serious health concern, many times, the doctor will make the assumption that she's pregnant.
My best friend once was sent home while they waited to get the results of a pregnancy test only to later be rushed for emergency treatment because her appendix had exploded.
It's Considered The Normal
At any given moment, it's considered normal for a woman of any size to say that she's on a "diet" or "juice cleanse" or any other intense health trend.
In fact, many women I know are consistently talking about needing to shed a few pounds.
Existing After Nightfall Is A Nightmare
I once had a guy friend mention how much he loves running at night because of how peaceful it is and asked if I felt the same way.
He was so shocked when I said that I never do anything outdoors alone after dark because of the safety threat I face as a woman.
Seriously, They're So Painful
I love wearing a pair of heels to pull together an outfit as much as any other woman.
However, it's unfair that women are expected to wear heels for a wide array of jobs and social events as if they aren't painful and impractical footwear.
I'm Always On Guard
In general, most women heavily police their own behavior to make sure that they aren't drawing unwanted attention or aren't giving off the wrong impression.
It's exhausting to have to always have a guard up, even around male friends.
Why Does Society Have To Make It Weird?
I have a lot of friendships with men because we connect over similar interests but don't have any attraction beyond that.
However, other people constantly assume that there has to also be physical/romantic tension involved.
Do! Not! Touch! Women!
If it was so necessary to touch someone like that to get by them, men would also grab each other's waists while walking by them in a crowd.
However, they don't and it's very uncomfortable to endure as a woman.
It Doesn't Need Any Further Explanation
"...When a guy says no it's not usually questioned: they don't have to go into a long detailing as to why.
"When a woman says no to pretty much anything, she's either asked or feels compelled to have to explain why their answer is no. 'No' is a complete sentence."
