" Heteronormativity is the belief that people fall into distinct and complementary genders (man and woman) with natural roles in life. It assumes that heterosexuality is the only sexual orientation or only norm."

Meaning that some people automatically assume someone identifies as either a man or a woman and in turn, follows the stereotypical characteristics and guidelines of that gender.

This past weekend, I had a few cases where people around me assumed about my relationship status and/or were surprised to find out I have a girlfriend.

I have had instances where someone, male or female, is very surprised to hear that I am dating a girl. I have even been in the situation where a male hitting on me said my girlfriend "wouldn't mind" if I went out with him.

I have been questioned about pretty personal things in my relationship by a guy who assumed my significant other was a guy. Then later prodding me with questions regarding the physical side of my relationship, purely because he was interested. He also asked if I would consider it cheating if my girlfriend hooked up with a guy because if his girlfriend hooked up with another girl he would find it "hot." I then tried to explain to him that his views are not shocking. Due to this society, we are used to men finding female same-sex relationships appealing, to say the least.

People who always assume my relationship is with a guy are those who are about 40 and up. Those who could have an open mind, but it is hard to tell due to their age and/or personality. Correcting people in situations like this is more awkward than anything.

Now, I know that not all people in society fall under the heteronormative category. Some people are very mindful of what they say because someone's identity isn't always visible to the human eye. Hats off to those people for trying to follow the progressive steps this society is starting to take.

I don't judge people for assuming things about me because I understand why they do. I am a fairly feminine person, I identify as female and I portray this through my outward appearance. I have also grown up in this world where it is so easy to make an assumption about someone purely based off of what we see. I know I have been guilty of it myself and I would be a liar to say I haven't.

Even if you are someone who feels this world is too progressive too fast, I respect that thought. While I don't see anything bad with being progressive and taking steps to positive change, I do understand that it can be more difficult to digest for those who have really only had one opinion their entire lives.

It is okay to have that opinion, but I do have one question. If there was a way to help make all people around you feel comfortable, would you use it? It doesn't mean you have to agree with every change that happens in the world, but it would just entail trying to help people feel comfortable. It seems simple, but apparently, this is something that proves difficult in this world.