I have always imagined myself marrying a man who would be the breadwinner as well as a leader. I also always knew I would take my husband's last name.

I wouldn't mind being the one in the marriage who cooks and cleans. And (in an age where this statement could easily be offensive, as it actually is very offensive if said to someone who doesn't feel the same way I do), I like being in the kitchen.

I respect women who want the opposite of what I want. I know not every woman will have the same vision for her life as I do. I advocate for women to be whomever they choose to be, to do what they love, and go down whichever path feels right for them.

I don't judge other women for what their dreams and aspirations are because I'm not threatened by the idea of other women having different ambitions than I do.

That is why I'm a feminist.

Feminism, no matter what definition and assumptions people have come up with, has and always will first and foremost be about women's equality to men.

Men get to choose what path their life goes down, and so should women. If you consider yourself a feminist, you shouldn't break down other women for what they want in life or what their preferences are. This is not feminism.

Feminism is telling a little girl that she can like the color pink, wear dresses, and play house. It's also about telling a little girl she can play sports and play with action figures while wearing an outfit of her choice.

I grew up in a household where my parents let my sister and I choose what we wanted to wear and what we wanted to play with.

I grew up girly. My room was painted pink, I played with my Barbies and stuffed animals, and I dreamed of my future prince while watching Disney movies.

My sister, on the other hand, grew up as a tomboy. She always asked for the boys' toy from McDonald's, she threw footballs and baseballs with my dad, and she refused to wear dresses.

I fit the feminine stereotype. Not by choice but because that's who I am. People who wouldn't think I am a feminist based on my beliefs about what I want from my future husband and the fact that I'm very feminine don't understand what feminism actually is.

The housewife down the street should be as respected as a successful businesswoman. Our society seems to stress the importance of work over home. Both home and work are equally as important, but they are different. It’s anyone’s choice as to which they prefer.

Feminism means women can choose how they want to live their lives while not being regarded as less equal than their male counterparts.

Feminism means encouraging other women to be who they want to be. We are all equal, yet we are all different.

Don’t talk down to women by saying they’re a disgrace to other women because they prefer the idea of a home life to a work life, and don’t talk down to women by saying they’re “too masculine.”Don’t talk down to women at all, and don’t talk down to men either.

We are all human beings who deserve to be who we want to be and not be looked down upon for the lifestyle we choose.

Yes, I may fit the feminine stereotype when it comes to how I go about my life, but I will also always respect other women no matter how different they might be. In fact, I not only respect other women, but I encourage and support them to be proud of who they are.

That’s what feminism is.