A Woman Written by A Man

 

“Learn to wash dishes, cook and please the people around you or else they will question our upbringing,” said most adults that I looked up to. 

Society always had expectations from girls some even done forcefully when we did NOT want to do it at all. From the endless list of fulfilling others expectations out of obligation; such as marriage, having children, dress codes, level of education and curfews are a handful that normally we do not get a say in and defending ourselves just means you are an unfaithful daughter, wife, daughter-in-law or a sister. Sadly, many a times these standards were imposed by our own gender. 

“Be unapologetically yourself”

How often do girls receive such advices? Lucky for me, I grew up soaking and drying repeatedly through that phrase. It happened so often that I do not know how to sugarcoat, tolerate or force myself to go through something I did not want to.

The man that wrote me made sure that I had a voice of my own. Made me believe that I was enough. Loved me unconditionally and set a benchmark that I deserved nothing less than a queen treatment at the same time teaching me how to return the favour. 

The man that wrote me spoilt me with lots of hugs, kisses, words of affirmation but he made sure he wasn’t paralysing me by doing so much for me. He did just enough so I would learn independence, power of freedom and to learn the art of management from a very young age.

The man that wrote me taught me what is it like to be disciplined, driven, motivated, grateful towards god and to run towards my dream without sabotaging what present has to offer me. RESILIENCE is one of the words that was strongly tattooed to me when he wrote me.

The man that wrote me made sure I knew that you do not have to be harsh, serious or toxic to be a leader or to reach great heights. He made sure I knew that staying lovable, kind and peaceful will bring me to the end goal as long as the thoughts are in the right places.

The man that wrote me made me believe that I can do almost anything. He made sure I went up his excavator and took it for a drive around the site though we both knew it was done for fun. At the age of 9 he let me read his prescriptions and give him the medicines without double checking it. That gave me confidence that I am capable of doing the right thing without being monitored too much.

The man that wrote me continues to whisper in my mind that SKY IS THE LIMIT. The man that wrote me trusted his daughter and not the society. 

The man that wrote me made me believe that appeasing me means, complimenting my brain.

The man that wrote me sure is a bestseller but some things are better kept as it is and not commercialised.