"Quand tu es une fille tu dois être tout tu dois être géniale dans ce que tu fais mais tu dois être super douce et tu dois être sexy et tu dois être gentille C'est comme si je ne peux pas être toutes ces choses à la fois je suis un être humain"

This quote talks about the unrealistic expectations placed on women. It highlights how society demands that women excel in their professional lives while also being charming, attractive, and kind. It's an exhausting list, and the quote underscores the impossibility of meeting all these standards simultaneously.

Historically, societal expectations for women have been sky-high. Think about the 1950s, when women were supposed to be perfect homemakers—cooking, cleaning, looking after the kids, and still looking glamorous when their husbands got home. Fast forward to now, and not much has changed, except the expectations have piled on. Now, a woman not only has to be a domestic goddess but also a career woman, a fitness enthusiast, and still the epitome of grace and beauty. It's no wonder women feel overwhelmed.

Let’s look at a real-life example. Picture a woman named Maria who works as a software engineer. She's brilliant at her job, often staying late to ensure her projects are flawless. But Maria also has to juggle being a loving partner, maintaining her appearance, and keeping up with social obligations. Her weekends are packed with gym sessions, grocery shopping, and meeting friends. One day, Maria gets feedback at work that she’s too “intense” and should smile more. Imagine her frustration—she’s trying to be exceptional in her profession, and now she’s being told to be cheerful while she’s at it. It’s an impossible standard.

So, what can someone do with this wisdom? First off, it’s about recognizing and acknowledging these pressures. If you’re a woman feeling these societal burdens, know that you’re not alone. The first step is to cut yourself some slack. You don't have to be perfect. Set boundaries and be clear about what you can and can't do. For instance, if your workload is heavy, maybe it's time to delegate tasks or say no to additional commitments. Self-care isn’t just a buzzword; it’s essential.

Imagine this scenario: Sarah is a young professional trying to climb the corporate ladder. She’s always been told she has to be on top of her game, look perfect, and be a social butterfly. One day, she decides enough is enough. She’s exhausted—physically and mentally. Sarah sits down and makes a list of her priorities. Work is important, yes, but so is her well-being. She speaks to her manager about a more flexible schedule. She skips a few social events and takes that time to read a book she loves or take a long bath. Slowly, she starts feeling more like herself—more human.

In essence, the quote is a call to recognize our humanity. We can’t be everything to everyone all the time. And that’s okay. It’s a reminder to prioritize what truly matters and to give ourselves the grace to be imperfect. So next time you feel the weight of these expectations, remember you’re only human, and that’s more than enough. Take a moment, breathe, and let go of trying to meet every standard. Your well-being is worth it.