Femininity

 

The other day I was nursing the babe and doing what I do best, scrolling through my Instagram when a video caught my eye. I couldn't tell you why I decided to click on it, but I did. The video was of a young girl getting her Quincenera dress and it ends with the phrase:

"Femininity is a Super Power."

I. LOVE. THAT. Let me tell you why. . .
First off, the word 'femininity' is different than 'feminism' or 'feminist'. A feminist is someone who supports women's equal rights to men, thus making them a supporter of feminism, right? Well what is femininity? Not to go all teach-y on you, but I looked it up and here is what I found:



"The quality of being female; womanliness." 

Guys!.... 
FEMININITY IS A SUPERPOWER!

 


Now disclaimer here: I am in NO way opposed to feminism or feminists but I think the topic of FEMININITY is something that we don't necessarily accept as a culture. In fact, I naively went on to read the comments thinking I'd rub shoulders with some like-minded folks. (Why is this a lesson I continuously have to learn? Don't read the comments guys! Just don't.) And I saw that a lot of people don't think like I do. In fact, most were 'offended' by the sentiment.
"How is getting a dress a superpower?"
"This sets feminists back a hundred years!"
"If one isn't a feminist, that means femininity is inherently being viewed as inferior."
...

You get the idea. That last comment got me thinking. IS femininity viewed as inferior? 

Now bear with me as I try to get my thoughts out there. I don't necessarily view myself as a feminist by today's standards. Yes, I believe with all my heart that women should get all the same rights and equality as men, HOWEVER, I don't think they necessarily have to act on it.
Allow me to explain. I am a woman and as such I am different than a man. There's no denying that. I have different roles, responsibilities, abilities and tendencies than my husband, but I am equally important and equally valued. 
Today it is almost as if society tells you that in order to be considered equal to a man, you must do the same things as a man and perhaps do them better. And not only do the same things as a man and do them better, but also to do all things that are expected as a woman as well. 
I don't know about you, but those standards are super disheartening and overwhelming. 
I personally don't want to take that honor away from my husband. He needs to be valued and respected in his roles as well. After all, if I could do everything myself, what would I need him for? I, for one, am proud to rely and need my husband. It's a wonderful to feel needed, isn't it?



All of that being said, I feel like I need to make a statement regarding my wonderful friends and readers who are single mothers and as a result may sometimes find themselves wearing both hats. Ladies, I applaud you. I am in awe of your determination, sacrifices and love you display every day. I have no doubt in my mind that those efforts do not go unnoticed and you are blessed because of them. 



Now back to the word femininity. I love feeling feminine. I love wearing skirts and lipstick, nurturing those around me and crying during a chick-flick. I love that my husband is masculine, that he provides and protects my family and kills the spiders when I won't even be in the same room as the nasty buggers. Does this make me inferior? Heck no. At least, I don't see it that way. 

I guess my take-away from all of this is that as a woman, it's ok to be feminine, it's ok to be masculine (yes, even if you are a girl!) It's ok to rely on a man and it's ok to rely on yourself. Women should support women even when their opinions differ. You be you. All I ask is that you Spread Happy Thoughts and love. 

Femininity is a superpower and man is it good to be a girl. 

Xoxo- Lauren

 

 Photos by Utah Alternative