Three Things

Today, I have felt inadequate.

When thinking about it, I would categorise the Things Women Worry About into three main groups. This is by no means extensive or applicable to everyone, but it has arisen in my mind over the last few days when mulling over recently-made resolutions from friends and in general. In no particular order:

1. Weight/Body/Size

It doesn't seem so much about being fit and healthy as looking a certain way, fitting into smaller sizes. I have never specifically 'dieted' as such. I have been slimmer and I have been fatter. It is such a source of constant conversation among some girls and I often find it so dull. If you want the cake, have the damn cake. Just don't have it every day and maybe move a bit more to make up for it. Or don't and sit on the sofa all evening without feeling guilty, if you want. A slice of cake will not ruin you. 

2. Relationships/Marriage/Babies

Grouped together, one naturally follows from the other but whether you're in or out or half-way towards a relationship, there seems to be often worries or outside input on what you should or shouldn't be doing and whether whatever or whoever you're doing is right for you. Or if you will ever find someone who is right for you. How long must you wait for it? Advice is well-meaning, I'm sure, but unless it is requested, it is not always welcome. If I don't tell you that you should break-up with your wandering-eyed boyfriend, then you don't need to tell me 'how to find someone', assuming that I am in constant search, because that's all anyone wants or needs, really. 

3. Career/Job/Progression

It's okay to be burnt out, because you have an impressive job title and pay packet. It's fine to travel for two hours a day and never see the sun...because that's what you have to do. What if I told you, you don't? What if I told you that although my job has drawbacks, so does yours and we can both be okay with what we do to make a living. That when someone asks me 'what do you do?' that the answer can be "I meet up for meals with my friends, I travel as often as I can afford, I watch films with my family. I make frequent jokes and sarcastic comments in conversation. I paint my nails, I make soup, I take my dog for walks. That's what I do. "My job does not define me as a person. What I 'do' comprises more than what I do to earn money. 

I am fine as I am, but that doesn't stop whispers getting to me. Fighting against the tide, people insisting that it's not right to not care about chips and cake, career or children. That you should be thinking about your future and that future should involve plenty of standard tick boxes along the defined time-line of life. You should earn at least this amount and if you're not bothered about progressing in your career or finding 'another half' as soon as possible, then there is something wrong with you. 

So much stress over things that aren't really issues at all. It makes me sad because in the midst of all the not-being-bothered, there is some truth there. And the whispers get to you. 

Flitterbox: P!nk ~ So What
Flitterbook: The Year I Met You ~ Cecelia Ahern