The alarm clock goes off two hours before you actually need to leave the house. Why? You’re a girl who has to get herself ready instead of a boy who can simply roll out of bed, get dressed, brush his teeth and get out the door.

While this extreme may only be true for the girls that need to do their hair, pick the perfect outfit and apply a face-full of makeup, all girls have a similar struggle. With long hair comes a longer shower. Boys don’t understand how much longer it takes to wash out the soap from the extra locks and to apply conditioner, something they rarely need to do.

Being a girl can be pretty damn hard sometimes.

Along with having the long hair, girls are also expected to dress and act a certain way. Boys can wear shorts every day. Here in Wisconsin, boys wear shorts year-round—even when the temperature is below zero. Girls are “supposed” to dress cute and girly, which includes dresses, skirts, uncomfortable jeans and everything in-between.

Athletic clothing is frowned upon. I’ve seen many posts and comments on social media referring to workout clothes and their place in everyday use—which is limited to the gym. “Workout clothes are for the gym, and the gym only.” Although these clothes are arguably the most comfortable, and for many the ones they feel most confident in, it is judged if girls choose to dress this way every day.

But it gets worse.

Each month girls are forced to suffer through a period.

This can last for a week or longer and brings with it many nasty side effects. Cramps, bloating, cravings, overall uncomfortableness—these are just some of the symptoms. We suffer through this, all while listening to the constant jokes and remarks made at our expense.

Did I mention how expensive tampons are?

All of this is only added to as girls age and become women. Women are expected to take care of the house and kids, to cook and to clean—all while holding some type of job. With all these tasks, women have little time to themselves. They selflessly put the needs of their families before their own needs.

After all of this is pointed out, it is easy to see that being a girl can be hard. We have many daily struggles that often go unnoticed by those around us.

Next time you think about making fun of someone for “acting like a girl” or “being on their period” just remember: being a girl can be pretty damn hard, and your joke isn’t funny.