"Je déteste le mot fort c'est tellement masculin"

The essence of the statement is that the word "strong" often carries a masculine connotation, which can be limiting and exclusionary. Imagine you're in a gym. There's a guy lifting weights, grunting with every rep. People might see him and think, "Wow, he's so strong!" We associate strength with physical power, endurance, and, often, masculinity. But should we?

Historically, strength has been linked to masculinity because physical power was necessary for hunting, protection, and labor—roles traditionally filled by men. Over time, society began to view emotional strength the same way, expecting men to be stoic and unyielding while women were seen as nurturing and delicate. This isn't just an old-fashioned idea; it's still lingering around today, subtly shaping how we see ourselves and others.

Now, let’s get practical. Picture your friend Jane. She’s just gone through a tough breakup, lost her job, and found out her mom’s sick—all in one month. Jane doesn’t hit the gym to lift heavy weights, but she keeps showing up for life every single day, supporting her family, looking for a new job, and even finding time to lend an ear to friends in need. That’s strength, right? But you might not call it “strong” because it doesn’t fit the muscle-bound image.

So, what do we do with this wisdom? First, let's broaden our definition of strength. Recognize that emotional resilience, vulnerability, empathy, and perseverance are powerful forms of strength. Start by applying this to yourself. When you're going through a rough patch and you keep your head up, give yourself credit for being strong. And when you see others displaying these qualities, acknowledge their strength too—out loud. Let’s change the narrative.

Here’s a relatable scenario: Think about Tom, a single dad working two jobs to make ends meet while raising his daughter. Tom's not only providing for her financially; he’s also there for her emotionally, helping with homework, attending school plays, and being a shoulder to cry on. He’s tired—exhausted, actually—but he doesn’t quit. We need to recognize this kind of strength. It’s not about lifting 300 pounds; it’s about carrying the weight of responsibility and love without breaking.

So next time you hear the word "strong," don’t just picture a bodybuilder or a superhero. Think about all the ways strength can manifest in your life and in the lives of those around you. It’s not about physical prowess alone. It’s about handling what life throws at you with grace, resilience, and heart. That’s real strength, and it’s something we can all admire and strive for, regardless of gender.

Remember, the words we choose matter. They shape how we see the world and each other. So let’s redefine strength in a way that includes everyone. Next time you’re chatting with a friend who’s been through a hard time, tell them they’re strong and mean it. Or better yet, tell them they’re resilient, brave, and unwavering. Because those words carry weight, too—just a different kind. And that's a good start toward making our language more inclusive and our understanding of strength more profound.