Prince Charming, that's the guy who is supposed to ride in on a white horse just in the nick of time to save a young damsel from dragons, evil women (both of the witch and stepmother variety), and the long slumber of a poison induced coma, right? Unfortunately, this antiquated and mythical notion has followed us well into the 21st century, and young women are encouraged every day, almost incessantly, to find and secure their very own Prince Charming; rich, powerful, and able to "rescue" them from the plague that is being a single woman.
The woman, typically without status before meeting her prince, has a slew of attractive qualities. She is smart. She is kind. She is beautiful. She is clever. She can cook and clean. She is overall quite likable. She presents the totality of herself to this guy and all he has to do is be "charming." By definition, charming means "pleasant or attractive." So the prince swoops in and saves the day just because he is cute? Call me a feminist, but I'd much rather live my life the way the Cheetah Girls would want me to and not be "Snow White waiting for another prince to come and save me." Don't get me wrong, I appreciate being treated like royalty, but I would prefer the person I am in a relationship with to be more than charming.
The Prince Charming persona has survived so well in our generation with the help of #RelationshipGoals, which can be found on the social media site of your choice. If you are not aware, #RelationshipGoals can be attributed to anything that a couple is doing. The only requirement is that whatever is being done is documented and shared. This has had a negative impact in two ways.
First of all, women are painfully aware of their singularity. And secondly, men are encouraged to think that any random attention they show a woman is enough to get in and stay in a relationship. It is the belief that a man just has to show up, and a woman, out of desperation, will immediately choose him. Now, there is nothing wrong with seeking companionship; it is human nature to want a partner. But just remember to be mindful of what you are seeking. If you are seeking a teammate, it should be someone who is as devoted to your success and well-being as much as they are devoted to their success and well-being. Seek a partner – a person who brings their gifts, talents, and experiences to pair with your own as you work together to grow. Last, but certainly not least, seek yourself. Embrace all the dopeness that is you and prosper.
Never let a dude on a horse or a trending topic make you feel incapable or inferior. Reign on, Queen. Reign on.
