"نحتاج إلى أن نعلم بناتنا الفرق بين الرجل الذي يتملقها والرجل الذي يمدحها، الرجل الذي ينفق المال عليها والرجل الذي يستثمر فيها، الرجل الذي يراها كملكية والرجل الذي يراها بالشكل الصحيح، الرجل الذي يشتهيها والرجل الذي يحبها، الرجل الذي يعتقد أنه هدية للنساء، "

The essence here is about teaching our daughters to differentiate between superficial gestures and genuine intentions in relationships. It’s about understanding the difference between actions that are self-serving and those that are truly caring and respectful.

Historically, this idea stems from a long-standing societal issue where women have often been valued more for their physical appearance and utility rather than their intrinsic worth and character. This quote is essentially a modern call to educate women to recognize their own value and not settle for less than they deserve.

Let’s bring this to life with an example. Picture a young woman named Sarah who’s dating. She meets two men—Jake and Michael. Jake showers her with flattery, telling her she's the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. He buys her expensive gifts, but often only when it’s convenient for him. He sees her as someone who should fit into his life and plans. When they’re together, he’s more interested in physical affection than in having meaningful conversations.

Michael, on the other hand, compliments Sarah in ways that acknowledge her talents and character. He notices her hard work and praises her intellect. Instead of just spending money on her, he invests time and energy into their relationship, supporting her goals and dreams. He sees her as an equal partner, valuing her thoughts and respecting her autonomy. His affection is patient and respectful, and he sees being with her as a privilege, not something she owes him.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in real life? It’s about being mindful and teaching our daughters (and ourselves) to look beyond surface-level actions. Encourage them to ask themselves questions about their relationships: Does this person make me feel valued for who I am, not just how I look? Are their actions consistent over time, not just grand gestures to win me over? Do they respect my independence and ambitions?

Imagine a scenario where a young woman finds herself questioning her relationship. She notices that her partner often showers her with gifts but doesn't seem interested in her personal achievements or struggles. She remembers the advice about understanding the difference between someone who spends money and someone who invests. This realization helps her see that her partner’s gestures are more about him than about genuinely supporting her. With this understanding, she gains the clarity to seek a relationship where she’s valued for her whole self.

By sharing stories, asking reflective questions, and modeling respectful relationships, we can help the next generation navigate their own paths. It’s about more than protecting them from harm—it’s about empowering them to expect the best for themselves and recognize their own worth. And that, my friend, is a lesson worth teaching.