Damsel: (Noun): A young woman who is beautiful and usually unmarried.

Damsel In Distress (Noun): A stereotype portraying an unmarried female who needs to be saved.

I might be a damsel who finds herself regularly in distress, but that sure does not mean I need to be saved by a prince charming anytime soon.

From what moment did women get placed in a category where whenever we find ourselves in a difficult situation, the right thing for us to do is sit around and wait for our prince charming to sweep us off our feet and fix everything? When were we labeled as so dependent on someone else that we see him as our “hero” for cleaning up our mess? I am the first to say that I do not believe in this fairytale stereotype. In fact, I believe in the exact opposite. I believe that women should not be looked upon as dainty princesses singing and dancing around in dresses dreaming about when Mr. Right will show up. Instead, we should be independent enough to leap over obstacles and face challenges head on.

Growing up, I was taught to be independent. Being the youngest in my family, I was lucky enough to have had role models everywhere I turn. My older sisters were the test runs and I tried to learn from their mistakes. Raising three daughters, both my parents taught us numerous things, although, my father especially made it a point to instill in us the importance of independence and confidence. He stressed how believing in ourselves connects us to our true personalities and roots-- and he was right because my dad ended up raising three strong, intelligent, confident, and independent young women each on their own career paths, not needing someone to save us.

Plenty of times I have found myself in a less than ideal setting. What woman hasn’t? People mess up, that’s inevitable. But it has been repeatedly said that it is how you handle yourself in those situations that matters the most. Let me make this clear, I do not need to be protected 24/7. I do not need to sit back and let a man do what society labels as his “role.” I certainly do not need someone to fight my battles for me. By facing my challenges unaided it has shaped my overall character and contributed to what makes me who I am.

I would never label myself as a damsel in distress. Maybe a college student trying to make it through or a girl with a lot on her plate--but never a damsel. My life may be cluttered, but frankly, that is what keeps it interesting. I do not need to be dependent on a prince charming. Life without a little clutter, a little stress, and a little curiosity is boring.

So think about that the next time you feel the urge so come in and sweep me off my feet. Not every damsel needs saving.