The phrase that inspired this series of posts rang out like a siren in my ears.
“Jennie …. You’re such a girl.”
The initial – in my mind – reaction after I realized what he had just said to me?
Well no shit, Sherlock!
The – after I stopped the word vomit about to spew out of my mouth – reaction I actually spoke?
Well, thank God for that!
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The aforementioned conversation took place last week while discussing the difference in girls’ nights & boys’ nights – in mixed company, might I add. *It was said again later in the conversation when I was expressing my excitement about waking up to watch the Royal Wedding. (obviously the boy talking was not my Prince Charming) It wasn’t the first time someone has said that to me. Generally I laugh it off with a “well, duh!” and go on about my way. But this one …. this one stuck with me.
It was the tone of his voice. As if being this so-called “such a girl” was in some way a bad thing.
The whole instance really made me wonder: when did being “such a girl” take a turn for the worse? A vast majority of the girls I know can be classified as “girly” in some regards. Even the most “tom-boy” ones on the block! And it is in no way something to be bashful about by any means.
Does it mean we can’t take care of ourselves? No. Does it mean we aren’t independent, and strong? No. Does it mean that like everything in the world there are different degrees or layers of something? Yes.
(Hence why apparently some girls are viewed more “girly” than others. I believe he was placing me in the overly “girly” department. Obviously he hasn’t met some of my fabulous yet true to the bone super “girly” girlfriends. That’s probably a good thing!)
My reaction to his statement threw him off a bit. I think I was supposed to put myself in check after the bold proclamation; that I should put away my Rosebud Salve and refrain from talking about the dress I saw last week in Banana Republic.
Sorry pal, no can do. I don’t comment on the degree of your manliness, nor would I expect you (or anyone for that matter) to alter behaviors if I did. So I’m going to politely claim my rightful title and keep on owning it.
I am “such a girl” …. I’m even at times “such a silly girl” …. and I happen to like it that way.
*But don’t go thinking I won’t strap on my beloved cowboy boots, hop on the back of a 4-wheeler, and spend the day out at the farm. It’s that whole different layers & degrees thing I mentioned earlier.
Just sayin’.
photo credits: 1, 2
