Expectations vs. Reality

Women are displayed messages of what we should look like, act like, and dress like at a very early age. Many of us struggle with this, and starve ourselves, change our image, and work to look and act a certain way. However, as we grow and find out who we really are, we may not want to fit a certain mold. Luckily, we all define beauty differently.

When we are younger, we enjoy dating or being in “young love”. The dream is sold to us daily through characters in books, movies, and sitcoms. We are told what types of men make up someone that’s successful: good looking, charming, well off, and well spoken. Never once is sense of humor, outlook on life, or interests mentioned. As you get older you say to yourself “I don’t want to settle, I want the dream”. I have seen many women blow off nice guys, who may be a little rusty, goofy, geeky or not their type. I ask this: is your "type" working for you, if you are still single?

 So here’s the question: if we, as women, know that the expectations set for us are unrealistic, why do we hold men to the standard sold to us, and never once question how realistic it is? Women don’t want to settle, and they shouldn’t. Never should you stay with someone that’s abusive, unkind, or dealing with some type of demon they can’t work through. However, for those women who think that Mr. Big is waiting for them somewhere, you are sadly mistaken. Ask any married woman if they married the previously mentioned Prince Charming, and they will tell you no. But, in a good relationship, you DO marry your own version of Prince Charming. The point is: be realistic, and don’t expect someone that doesn’t exist. Stop justifying your life through relationships. The most important relationship you have is with you, and only you.