I’ve been told many times that I’m probably single because I'm intimidating. Well, to everyone who finds me intimidating: Get the heck over it. Yes, I can change my tire (as long as I can figure out how to use the jack) and yes, I can plunge a toilet by myself too. I am strong and independent. Why is being independent seen as an intimidating trait? If anything, it should be seen positively, not as something to hide from.

Have Your Voice Heard: Become an Odyssey Creator

I learned how to be strong and independent because of growing up in a household where I was told that I can do anything, even the things that are typically jobs for boys. There was once a time I wanted to be a plumber. The only reason I didn't pursue that was because I was talked out of it. I still know that I could do it, but I'm not sure if that's where my heart wants me to go.

I'm not going to hold back or hide who I am, ever. People probably think I'm an insufferable know it all, or that I come off too strong. Who cares?! That’s who I am and there's no use in hiding it.

I'm not going to chase around boys or try to get their attention. I'm not going to act dumb just so a boy can come to my rescue. That's just not how life works for me. I don’t need a man in my life to help me with anything. (I'm not saying it wouldn't be nice).

This isn’t only for boys though, women are intimidated by independence also. I think it’s because “back in the day” women were supposed to be dependent. Women were not supposed to provide for the family or wasn’t expected to do anything except keep the house and raise the kids. Fun fact: Back in ancient times, it was women who gathered the food that was eaten. Yeah, they didn’t hunt, but the hunters didn’t always come back with much. Most of the food eaten was the food gathered by the women… Newsflash! Women were providers. I don’t know when this changed and I don’t understand why it did.

Everybody needs to realize that independent people are not something to be afraid of or intimidated by (in a bad way). Independence is one of the best traits someone can have. It shows that these people choose to be with the people they choose and they aren’t forced to be because they can’t take care of themselves (friendships, relationships, etc.) It’s time that we erase the intimidation of independent people and start teaching that independence is a good thing!