The struggle has always been real for women, whether it was 50 years ago or five years ago, to be seen as equal to men. Even today we are still fighting for equal opportunities and trying to break down the double standards that seem to have found their way into our society.
But this article isn't about that.
What I want to address is the simple fact that some women simply lack the ability or desire to support other women. They cannot find it in their hearts to help a fellow sister out because they think that somehow...helping someone else will detract from their own success. Maybe the reason why some women feel this way is because we have grown up in a society where comparing ourselves to other females is second nature, where the tabloids do anything and everything to make us feel inferior and make us envy those who have what we don't, whether it be looks, relationship or career wise.
But you know what? It doesn't have to be this way.
I know it's easy to compare yourself and want to hate a girl because she's everything you aspire to be and she has everything you want. Trust me--I've been there. Insecurity blows and when the world is telling you what 'perfect' looks like and you don't measure up, it flat out sucks. However, wouldn't it be more constructive to be nice to her and LEARN from her? If she has really awesome hair, ask her what products she uses and how she learned to style her hair that way. If she's in a field of work that interests you, ask her how she got there and if she'd be willing to mentor you.
And, on the flip side, if a girl does approach you and ask for help, give it to her. Why would you ever turn someone away who genuinely admires you? If someone is looking up to you it means you're doing something right. You should be honored and offer her guidance without feeling threatened that she's trying to 'be' or 'replace' you. Remember that you were in her place once and that if someone hadn't extended their hand to you, you wouldn't be where you are today.
We, as women, know how hard it is to be a woman, so why would we make it harder on each other when we can band together and run the world just like Beyonce said we do? That sounds like a better, more kick ass alternative to me.
So don't choose to compete; choose #girlpower.
