Societies Dating Pressure on Women
8 WAYS OF BEING ROMANTICALLY SHAMED
If there’s one thing about relationships we know for sure, it’s that everyone thinks they know best and can’t help putting their own two cents in. It’s even worse for women, who are expected to behave a certain way in relationships. Single? You must be miserable and cry yourself to sleep after all of those amazing nights at the bar. Married? Your social life must be non-existent and your sex life must be boring. Whether they are in a relationship, dating or single, it’s like women can never win when it comes to relationships. Here are the many ways women get romantically shamed.
BEING SINGLE
Don’t you just love it when Tia asks for the hundredth time when you’re gonna settle down and find a nice man? How dare you try to have a successful career and enjoy the freedom of not being tied down by someone else! Don’t you know your biological clock is ticking?
GETTING MARRIED TOO YOUNG
Found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with and decide you wanna tie the knot? Don’t expect everyone in your bridal party to be supportive of your decision. Chances are someone will call you out for “not being a feminist,” or “giving into societal norms.”
THINGS ARE TOO SERIOUS
Happily in a relationship with your college sweetheart? Don’t be too happy, because chances are your friends will go on and on about how you never really got to experience the single life and how much you missed out on.
NOT GETTING MARRIED FAST ENOUGH
Yes, you and your boyfriend have been dating for a while, but that doesn’t mean he has to put a ring on it, abuela. So please stop asking when we’re getting married every time he comes over for family dinner. There’s nothing wrong with taking your time and enjoying your relationship the way it is. What’s the rush?
HAVING A DATING POOL
Guys are always bragging about their rotation, so why can’t we have our own lineup of dating partners? Having a different date for every night of the week? Some might call that genius.
HAVING TOO MUCH SEX
Why is it when guys get laid it’s met with a round of congratulatory high-fives and hollers? Meanwhile when a woman gets some, it’s met with judgmental stares and slut shaming? As long as you’re being responsible and respecting yourself, go to town, girlfriend!
TAKING A DATING BREAK
Recently decided that you want to take a break from dating and take some time to find yourself? Be prepared for a whirlwind of opinions that “you shouldn’t be afraid,” or “you’re looking for an excuse.” Sigh.
EXPLORING YOUR SEXUALITY
Your sexuality is on a spectrum, no one is completely straight or homosexual, so don’t be afraid to experiment with members of the same sex. The experience could completely change your perspective on what you look for in a partner.