Just some random thoughts this Sunday…
Do any of you people watch? I like to couple watch. I was in Nando’s today, and it was wild the amount of couples who were dressed up to eat their dinner in complete silence. Literally. Sitting across from one another at the table. Men looking out the window. So was the women. What is the point? Might as well eat alone.
I’m loving this era I’m in, where I am decentering men and instead centering myself. No sacrifice compromise, just all about what I want. Society has conditioned us to feel like this is a bad thing, and like we are selfish for not wanting to consider someone else all the time. But lately, I’ve been leaning more into the fact that I love being alone. I love the unconditional love that my daughter and animals give me. I don’t want to “work” for love. I have no interest in dating apps, or chatting tit over WhatsApp with a variety of men. I don’t need or want validation from men. I just want to be love, which is what I already have right here, right now. In abundance.
I wont rule out a relationship for the future. But I’ll never actively look for one. I believe it sends the wrong message to our soul. It tells us that we are “deficient” in some way.
Also, and this isn’t talked about much at all. But I used to feel that I had to “hurry up” to find someone because I’m getting old. And “men don’t want old women.” This misogynistic mindset controlled all of my behaviours when it came to seeking validation from men. I needed to be sexy, have long hair, and wear toe crushing heels. I’d be in so much pain, but it was worth it if a man wanted me right? I did endless self-preening for years and years, and if I’m honest it was a whole lot of work for very little long term payoff. Well, very little payoff of substance that is. I am a smart woman, with a big heart. But in my mind, that meant nothing if a man didn’t immediately think phroar when he looked at me. This is such a toxic mindset to have, yet so many women have it. I had it. I don’t anymore…
You see this mindset on TV, TikTok. Ads. Conversations. It’s everywhere. This incessant “beauty” talk is mainly for the purpose of a male gaze. Would we really want our lips done if we were on an island with just ourselves for company? What’s it all for? I don’t get it.
Don’t get me wrong, I love expensive skincare, and nice bath products. But part of decentering men has been about being mindful of which aspects of beauty culture I subscribe to. Especially if my decision to partake in something, is fuelled by an inkling that this would make me more “desirable” to a man.