I had a woman come up to me at church today and say, all in a rush, how much she had enjoyed a preview of the key speaker at our upcoming women's conference, how much I just absolutely HAVE to go. But then she stopped and said, "Oh, but ... you're not really a girly girl." I was more than a little surprised by that, since I have always considered myself to be ... well, womanly! I definitely have nothing against men, but I've never wanted to BE one, and I certainly don't try to act like one. I love colors and scents and soft fabrics. I like skirts that swish around my ankles; and if I need a pick me up, I wear earrings that dangle against my neck. I love dogs and cat and babies, unapologetically. I love my roses. (Love, as in "deep and genuine devotion"). So I'm a little confused by why I would be perceived as "ungirly."
I wonder if it's maybe because I don't like to sit around and chit chat? I can talk with a certain few people for the longest time, but not usually about things that most women want to talk about. I like to talk about literature and writing, about politics and religion. Or maybe it's because, with a serious shortage of swishy skirts on the market, I tend to dress in jeans and the same few sweaters that I find comfortable? Or maybe it's because I really don't care all that much about impressing people. I don't see the point in exerting a whole lot of effort pretending to be charming or gracious or coy. It's too hard to keep up the act after awhile, and beside ... if someone falls for that, it's not really you they like in the first place. They're infatuated with the character you are playing, and who needs that? It seems like a huge waste of time to me.
But I'm wondering now, in this age of gender equality, what makes a woman "womanly"? I'm so intrigued by the thought, in fact, that I think I'll email a few friends and see what they have to say on the subject. I'll get back to you if anybody has any profound thoughts on the matter. Or email me YOUR thoughts. I'd love to know what you think.
1 comment:
Jenn,
You and I have not yet met; I am Pastor Lon Eckdahl's daughter, Becky Simpson (the "other" Becky Simpson!). Theresa Cox sent me the URL address for your blog; she thought I would enjoy it since I have a passion for writing. I have wanted to be a writer since I was about 5 years old and finally started doing something about it a few months ago. I want you to know how much I enjoy reading your blog. Your authenticity in life, as well as your story-telling, are inspiring. I too started a family blog just after Thanksgiving, so I know the fulfillment that comes from each and every post, regardless of whether anyone is reading them or not. But I just thought you'd like to know that someone is reading.
I was also inspired to write because of the comment you made about the Women's Conference. I'm in charge of the team that's planning it and it is truly going to be spectacular this year! Please come.
-Becky Simpson
nupet@aol.com
Post a Comment