Throughout history, women have been told what to say, feel, think, and do, giving them virtually no freedom to make any decisions for themselves. Luckily, as time has gone on we have learned how to stand up for ourselves and the things we support without having to ask for permission. However, there are still plenty of women out there who are choosing to satiate their insecurities by letting someone else make their decisions for them, whether that is a partner, friend, or their following on social media. Too many girls begin to put these relationships on a pedestal above their own thoughts and feelings, giving away their power.

I know social media is an epidemic that affects both genders, but girls tend to place all of their self-worth on how people react to what they post, to the point of posting things for the sake of getting a reaction. You do not need to get all dolled up to take a selfie, especially if that is your only intention - that's just a waste of time and makeup.

There is no reason to post things for the sake of posting when there are countless other things you could be doing, but sadly girls feel pressured to be "active" 24 hours each day, 7 days per week. This is particularly unfortunate because it inhibits real face to face relationships, which are arguably more valuable than an online relationship with 800 people who like your pictures but know nothing about who you are as a person.

As for relationships, girls are much more likely to obey her significant other's wishes because of their insecurities and fear of losing him, when in reality, no one has that kind of power over anyone else. No man, or friend for that matter, is worth giving up who you are and how you feel about the world. It is sad to think that girls who are so admirable in their individuality are so willing to change themselves to be what someone else wants them to be.

It may be cliché and sound like the moral of a movie aimed at middle schoolers, but there is no better way to live than to be yourself, and its okay to experiment with who you are, but on your terms.