10 Things Strong, Independent Women Are Tired Of Hearing From Men

By now, we all know that all individuals are equal. Of course, that doesn’t change the fact that we’re constantly criticized over the way we choose to live our lives. Not every woman is a damsel in distress waiting to be rescued. Some of us are independent, and we’re tired of hearing ignorant things about our gender, particularly from men who have no idea what it’s like to be a woman.

  1. “You’re so sensitive.” We’re not overly emotional. We just speak our minds. Instead of grinning and bearing it when someone does something stupid, we tell them that they’ve crossed the line, because we don’t take any crap. Being sensitive and being blunt are two totally different things.
  2. “Who’d you dress up for?” Just because we stepped into some sexy heels and slipped on a pretty dress doesn’t mean that we’re trying to get male attention. It feels good to look good. We’re doing it for ourselves.
  3. “You don’t know love until you’ve had a baby.” You can experience love without having children. You can even experience love without having a boyfriend. You love your friends and your family, don’t you? Then you’ve already experienced the emotion.
  4. “Did you read the comics or just see the movie?” No one is pretending to like sports and video games to impress men. So no, we don’t want to be quizzed about how well we know our favorite video games and sports teams. If you don’t believe us, then don’t bother to talk to us.
  5. “…for a woman.” If you add this phrase to the end of a compliment, it turns it into an insult. That’s why men should stop saying, “You’re a good driver, for a woman” or, “You’re a good soccer player, for a woman.” Women are just as capable as men are in every single way. Get used to it.
  6. “You’re being too picky.” Having high standards isn’t the same thing as being picky. You don’t want to settle for someone you don’t like. It’s better to be single than to be in an unhappy relationship, so even if you are picky, so what? You’re better off that way.
  7. “That’s not ladylike.” Women are allowed to curse. They’re allowed to burp. They’re allowed to go out in sweatpants. Does that make them any less of a lady? No, sir.
  8. “I bet you have brothers.” Why would anyone assume that a strong woman was taught to act independently by their brothers or father? Mothers and sisters can pass down just as much wisdom.
  9. “You’re asking for attention.” Wearing a revealing dress isn’t asking for attention. Neither is covering your face in makeup. It’s just an excuse that men like to use to justify their sleazy behavior. But it’s not our fault when they use a disrespectful pickup line. It’s all on them.
  10. “Are you on your period?” Every man knows that this is a death sentence, so why would they let the words leave their lips? That time of the month is stressful enough as it is. We don’t need ignorant men to make it worse by running their mouths.
Holly Riordan is a writer from Long Island, New York who has authored several science fiction and horror books. A graduate of Stony Brook University, she has spent nearly a decade writing for publications including Thought Catalog, Huffington Post, Teen Vogue, and more. You can find her on Instagram @hollyrio and Twitter @hollyyrio.
close-link
close-link