I really related to this, especially the double standard for men and women. There's also a pretty messed up saying 'Men will be men, women become Aunty's', that a lot of 'boys' turning 'men' casually joke about. But, it isn't a joke, is it? It is patriarchy rooted in everyone's heads like our grey cells.
I’m glad this connected with you Srinidhi! That saying that you’re referencing hits on the crux of the problem I’m referring to - men are allowed to graduate to this second form of mature beauty and women are destined to be defined by their relationships to others (namely men). We should all be granted the same ability to grow, age, and let it show on our faces!
I really relate to this especially about the shame and lost wonder. Trying to unlearn that and grow into my adult self has been hard but it’s definitely worth it
I agree with most of this, though at the end I feel like I need to comment on the Sontag quote— I see more and more teenage girls trying to actually grow up too fast. Wearing more makeup, dressing less modestly, trying to appear more sexy, all at a younger age than the way it was when I was little. I’m currently watching it happen with my 16 year old sister and her friends, starting from when they were 13 or 14. I (age 23) am certainly in the nostalgia-for-girlhood phase, but I think many “girls” actually just want to grow up. Maybe that’s part of your point idk
Thanks Kali! :) It’s funny that I’ve found a way to connect more to my inner child when stepping more into the fact of womanhood. Unexpected and seemingly paradoxical, but real for me!
I really related to this, especially the double standard for men and women. There's also a pretty messed up saying 'Men will be men, women become Aunty's', that a lot of 'boys' turning 'men' casually joke about. But, it isn't a joke, is it? It is patriarchy rooted in everyone's heads like our grey cells.
I’m glad this connected with you Srinidhi! That saying that you’re referencing hits on the crux of the problem I’m referring to - men are allowed to graduate to this second form of mature beauty and women are destined to be defined by their relationships to others (namely men). We should all be granted the same ability to grow, age, and let it show on our faces!
Agreed. I guess it is time we say 'F.. all this', I am redefining how I live.
I really relate to this especially about the shame and lost wonder. Trying to unlearn that and grow into my adult self has been hard but it’s definitely worth it
Absolutely, I’m glad to here I’m not alone in these feelings! Appreciate you reading!
Love this! I really relate as I’ve started to accept myself and the fact that I’m getting older. It’s a very freeing feeling. This was a lovely read💗
Thanks so much Summer :) 🤍
Very well done! Insightful
Thank you :)!
Great article !
Thank you for reading! 🤍
I agree with most of this, though at the end I feel like I need to comment on the Sontag quote— I see more and more teenage girls trying to actually grow up too fast. Wearing more makeup, dressing less modestly, trying to appear more sexy, all at a younger age than the way it was when I was little. I’m currently watching it happen with my 16 year old sister and her friends, starting from when they were 13 or 14. I (age 23) am certainly in the nostalgia-for-girlhood phase, but I think many “girls” actually just want to grow up. Maybe that’s part of your point idk
Thanks Kali! :) It’s funny that I’ve found a way to connect more to my inner child when stepping more into the fact of womanhood. Unexpected and seemingly paradoxical, but real for me!