There's this notion that women watch romantic comedies because we all hope they will prophesy a future, dreamy relationship with Ryan Gosling, or Zac Efron, or Ryan Reynolds, or whoever else. And, honestly, I wish that was the case.

Admittedly, a lot of the time, my interest level in any movie is based on who is in it. I will probably watch any movie with Matt Damon in it. Do you blame me?! Yes? Too bad. Besides being my man crush everyday, Matt Damon is also just a really good actor, and there's nothing wrong with me appreciating his work.

Just because I'm a woman, it doesn't mean that my interests should be trivialized, mocked or generalized.

So what if I want to drool over him? So what if I want to admire his acting chops? Why does it matter? Why am I so heavily criticized for my interest in a pop culture icon? If I tweeted that I was watching a Matt Damon movie with an oh-so-descriptive heart eyes emoji, half of my responses would be about how dreamy he was. Then, there would be a man complaining about how fetishizing celebrity men sets unrealistic expectations for men while men continue to objectify women on the daily without thinking twice.

Let's not go there, though. We don't call out men for their interest in sexually charged video games or superhero movies with stunning leading ladies in spandex - at least not to the same extent. So, what gives? What the heck, society? That's not cool.

Hey, wait, I thought this was about movies. Sorry, it’s not. There’s a bigger picture here, folks.

For everything, from movies to hobbies to the apparently life-altering decision whether or not to contour your face, neck and/or chest, women are judged and picked apart on social media and by society constantly.

I see more images and information on my social media feeds and timelines telling me who I should be or what my interests should be than I see for my male counterparts. Again I ask, society, what the heck is up with that? Beyond just, well, majorly sucking, it is one of the many ways our society has internalized patriarchy. Ready to get real serious real quick? If I told you that things inherently “female” were viewed negatively, without trying, you could give me at least one example. I’ll help you out by listing two. Periods? Gross, overly taxed. Breastfeeding? Not allowed in public, “indecent exposure.” Let me add another layer to this analysis. If I told you labeling things as effeminate instantly meant negative, you’d definitely have more than one example for that. Throwing “like a girl?” Considered weak or bad. Crying or showing any range of emotion? Effeminate = bad.

What about school dress codes, you ask? Well, now you’re picking up what I’m putting down, and I could probably write an entirely new article on my massive list of issues with school dress codes.

So, why did I bring this up? What’s the point in all this? My point isn’t actually to talk to men and tell men that what they’re doing is unfair. I do entirely believe that this patriarchy nonsense has gotta go, but I’m calling for a different approach. Ladies - I encourage you all to fearlessly delve into your interests, whether they be “effeminate” or “masculine.” You might face judgement or scrutiny, but it’s better to be happy being yourself than to be miserable because you're trying to censor yourself to please everyone else, right?

In short: you go, girl.