There have been a lot of moments where I didn't feel graceful or elegant. We all have those moments. Although I have accepted that I'll rarely ever be as poised as a beauty queen, there are still things that I feel shouldn't take away my ladylike street cred.
1. Being funny
How often do we hear that girls aren't funny, or shouldn't even try? How is it that we are just now getting to enjoy comedies with casts of all women? Women who are funny are painted as masculine or "one of the guys." No one thinks about Audrey Hepburn being funny (even though she definitely was).
2. Not wearing makeup
Wearing makeup is a beautiful experience. It's a great way of self-expression or building self-esteem. However, why does wearing makeup or not wearing makeup make someone less womanly?
3. Not shaving
Okay, I get it! Girls aren't supposed to have body hair. Shaving commercials show girls shaving their already-shaved legs. There is no such thing as a hairy lady... except there is. And sometimes girls either don't have the time or motivation to shave for a while and that's ladylike as hell.
4. Talking about your menstrual cycle
Girls are expected to just ignore their menstrual cycle and can't say "I don't feel well because I'm on my menstrual cycle." Speaking about our lady problems is unladylike and I just don't understand. Talking about your menstrual cycle should be normal because it's a normal function.
5. Eating everything on your plate
I'm not sure how common this is, but I have been told before that leaving some food on your plate is ladylike. However, I think this is a waste of food and if you're really hungry then you should really clean your plate. Don't make girls feel like their not allowed to eat.
6. Being loud
Everyone can imagine the classic elegant woman as soft-spoken and gentle. However, some women are loud. I am loud, my friends are loud, some of my favorite women of all time are loud. And sometimes we are downright obnoxious. That is ladylike.
7. Cursing
Nothing on this Earth makes me want to curse more than someone saying that women shouldn't curse. I can only pray my fellow women feel the same way.
8. Being in charge
Just shut up if you think this is unladylike. Shut up harder if you want to follow it up with something about being submissive. Shut up hard and forever. Shut up, up and away.
