Growing up as a tomboy was always interesting. I didn't feel any different than the other girls, but people viewed me differently. Listed below are only some of the micro-aggressions I've received in my life, which I'm sure my fellow tomboys out there can relate to. These experiences have given me thick skin and a good sense of humor over the years.
1. “Are you a boy or girl?”
We are told from such a young age that girls wear pink dresses and boys wear blue basketball shorts. But when you rocked your blue basketball shorts, the confusion of a mind took flight.
2. “You’re so sporty.”
Being sporty meant you didn’t care about getting your clothes dirty, which meant your clothes weren’t good enough to be girl clothes.
3. “Wow, you look like a girl today!”
You received this every time you wore a dress or skirt. And no, it never made us feel good.
4. "Can I do your hair?"
No, please don't touch me.
5. "What about your makeup?"
Once again, don't touch me.
6. “One of the guys."
We don't want to be one of the guys. We are women and we are proud. That is all.
7. “My brother/dad has the same shirt.”
Why do people tell us this? Don’t you think we already have a tough time with the weird looks shopping on the “mens” side of the store? Do you think the knowledge that we share some of the same wardrobe as your father makes our day brighter? Do you really think we want to know a "dad bod" has worn the same shirt we are sporting today?
8. "If I buy you a dress, will you wear it?"
C'mon, is that even a question?
9. “Oh... you’re straight?”
Sorry to disappoint you all, but just because I like things that aren’t stereotypical for my female body does not mean I am automatically gay. You can exchange your bet winnings now.
10. "You look different today."
This occurs on the days you wear makeup. Suddenly people's heads turn sideways like they just saw Bigfoot. It makes us feel great, really.
11. “I would date you if you were a guy!”
We get it, our personalities are amazing, but please stop. We don’t want to be guys and we don’t want to date you.
