Rephrasing “Lady-Like”
Society has created some ridiculous gender norms. Many expectations for women are outrageous but have become normalized. We’ve come to realize the harm these gender roles can have and women are starting to change the narrative. From ditching the razor to demanding more money, it’s becoming more “normal” for females to go against the grain.
1. Not Shaving
It’s about time women felt comfortable with their natural body hair. The expectations of women to be smooth and hairless are absurd, especially when men are notoriously hairier and flaunt it. Many ladies are starting to ditch the razors and let their natural body hair grow.
2. Not Being “Lady-Like”
“You look prettier when you smile!” is one of the worst lines to come out of a man’s mouth when addressing a woman. More gals aren’t holding back anymore–– We’re polite when necessary but we’re cursing, burping, and lashing out when we need to. Being “lady-like” shouldn’t be about looking pretty, holding in our emotions, and being polite to people who don’t deserve it.
3. Working In STEM Fields
Science, tech, engineering, and math–– oh my! Women are starting to take these male-dominated fields by storm. Genius female scientists and mathematicians are proving that STEM doesn’t require gender-based skills.
4. Wearing The Pants
It’s no news but women are literally wearing pants now and many uniforms for school and hospitality have trouser options. Many women still wear dresses and skirts but they’re also wearing all kinds of bottoms, choosing to dress in personal fashion.
5. Not Having Babies
Not too long ago, all women were expected to be mothers someday and it was ingrained in us to dream of a domestic life and a growing family. Times have changed and more women are starting to think for themselves to discover what they truly want out of life, which isn’t always to have kids.
6. Not Getting Married
First comes love, then comes… whatever you want. For many reasons, a lot of couples are choosing not to get married. A woman doesn't need to prove herself worthy with a ring on her finger and some ladies have dreams other than getting hitched.
7. Embracing Sexuality
Society still has a long way to go but many modern women are embracing their sexuality instead of feeling ashamed. We’re talking about it, liking it, and dismissing negative and shameful remarks against it.
8. Showing Off Stretch Marks
In a society that’s obsessed with youth and perfection, it’s very hard to love your body. Brave women are exposing themselves through social media, showing off stretch marks, acne, and “imperfections” to encourage self-love. We shouldn’t be told to cover up our skin’s natural markings and women are starting to fight against these ridiculous beauty standards.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
9. Ditching The Makeup
Many females don’t feel the pressure to wear makeup anymore if they don’t want to. As a woman, it used to seem normal to apply makeup for any occasion, from the gym to the office. Despite that many women still apply lipstick and mascara, many are also choosing to go au natural.
10. Demanding Equal Pay
We’re not there yet but women are fighting every day for equality in the workforce. We’re starting to see more news stories about equal pay and female leaders demanding change.
US Department of Labor on Wikimedia
11. Keeping Grey Hair
It’s expensive and unhealthy to constantly dye your hair but until recently, the majority of women colored their locks as soon as the first greys sprout. We’re still shunned for it–– TV personalities have been told they look unattractive and unprofessional but soon, women will be called silver foxes too.
Alexander Krivitskiy on Unsplash
12. Being Bossy
We’re often told to “be bold, but not too bold”. If we demand respect or take a leadership role we’re considered bossy. Many women aren’t letting that get to them anymore and embracing the “bossy” stereotype (if that’s what being a boss means).
Maryia Plashchynskaya on Pexels
13. Prioritizing Self-Care
More women are starting to prioritize self-care and not sacrificing their health for all the gender role expectations. Mothers are socializing, wives are splitting roles with husbands, and women in general are taking time for themselves.
14. Splitting Parenting Roles
Mothers have such high expectations compared to fathers but the roles of parenting are starting to become more balanced. Fathers are pushing strollers, and changing diapers, and some are staying home while the mother works.
15. Freeing The Nips
It’s against the grain in many cultures to show your breasts in public but more ladies are freeing their nips these days. Instead of breastfeeding in private, we’re feeding our babies where we please and that’s how it should be. Women are starting to get on board that wherever it’s suitable for men to be shirtless, women should have the option too.
16. Embracing All Body Types
Society has made body-shaming a huge problem and many women are fighting to change our perspective. There’s no “perfect body” and we’re starting to see more variety of females being represented in fashion, marketing, and society in general.
17. Not Parenting Husbands
The housewife textbook written for schoolgirls in the 1950s should be burned. Nowadays, many wives don’t get married to take care of a man-child. Husbands are taking on family responsibilities, cooking meals, and doing household chores.
18. Talking About Postpartum Struggles
Mothers aren’t keeping the struggles of postpartum a secret anymore. Often, new mothers were surprised if they had an unpleasant experience after birthing their child because it was never talked about. It’s becoming more common for women to publicly share their lows instead of just their highs.
19. Prioritizing Comfort Over Fashion
Women are wearing tracksuits and sneakers, we’re not putting on dresses and heels to clean the house. Heels are still worn but not expected. Women are more likely now to choose outfits that they feel good wearing and not just dress to impress.
20. Standing Up For Other Women
It’s becoming trendy for women to support women. We’re bringing eachother up, complementing one another without envy, and standing up for each other when we’ve been wronged. More voices are being heard because supporting fellow females is contagious.
