I am currently reading “The Many Lives of Marilyn Monroe” by Sarah Churchwell. It’s a deep and nuanced composite of the many versions of her life story that have been told over the ages. I won’t get into all of the details, but it’s an entertaining read, and it inspired me to delve into the concept of femininity and what makes this womanly experience so special—at all ages and for different reasons.
It’s common knowledge that the experience of claiming this gender isn’t coming up roses all the time, but it does include innumerable emotions, rituals, growth, and moments of one-of-a-kind joy and pleasure that only we as the “fairer sex” get to know and love.
Below is a list of some of my favourite simple joys of being a woman. Let me know your thoughts and perspectives from your own life.
Our natural ability to connect
This ability is what is making women in 2024 kill it in any chosen field of life. Whether it’s raising kids, starting a business, our careers, dating, family, and friendships—or even more macro-level endeavours such as social work—women have the special and gender-unique gift of gaining true pleasure from connecting with those around us.
It has positive physical effects by boosting natural chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine, etc. (i.e., the good feelings you get after a rejuvenating conversation with a good friend). It also has long-term compounding (i.e., improving over time) benefits, such as building a healthy network in your family and community.
Feeling and expressing deep emotions
There is nothing quite like a good cry for any woman of any age. In my younger years, I used to be startled by my tears and view them as something to be concerned about. But now that I’m older, I find myself moved by the simplest, most touching moments, accepting and inviting them by being open to things that trigger an emotional response.
It’s a true and deep release, and we women have the pleasure of experiencing it both publicly and privately without too much judgment. I hope culture reforms enough so the current and next generation’s men can experience this freedom.
Crying aside, women feel empathy at a much stronger level than men, which makes us gentle parents, colleagues, and friends.
Self-care practices
There isn’t anything too intensely profound about this point. We ladies enjoy all the perks – the bubble baths, hair, makeup, fashion, girl talk, shopping – all in the name of femininity. It may seem vapid, but it resets us back to our factory settings so we can take on the world anew!
Creativity
Women have been blessed with exceptional talent not only in the creative and performing arts but also in other subtle, indirect ways. These can range from possessing a creative sense of style to the physical and literal form of creating new life from within our bodies or building a creative life that steers away from the norms and cultures of traditional society. With the ample strides made that now allow the female gender personal agency in society and their careers, previously male-gendered specific creative pursuits such as entrepreneurship are also available to women.
Our innate talents for home-making and nurturing
As much as I enjoy the benefits of being part of a corporate setting in my day job, nothing fulfills me and brings much-needed balance and structure to my life, like spending time at home cooking, cleaning, and caring for it. Trying new recipes, decorating, raising healthy plants, pets, and family members are all part of life’s unique and delightful womanly experience.
Our free-reign of fashion and beauty trends
If you’ve ever borrowed clothing from a man in your life’s wardrobe and made it look exceptional on you, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Women can rock anything from head-to-toe floral patterns, long hair or short, combat boots or strapless heels, full makeup or an absolutely bare face, and people rarely bat an eyelid. It’s the last simple joy of being a woman on this list.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope what you have read has somehow educated, informed, or inspired you.
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