You searched for self love - Page 10 of 131 - Everyday Feminism

I am not the poster child queer woman. Pastel sundresses, lacy push-up bras, and vanilla lip gloss would not, as it were, come as accessories with Stereotypical Lesbian Barbie. Femmes are the surprises. Femmes are the ones who are asked how we can possibly be queer-identified if we paint our nails. We’re the ones who have to fight to be noticed for who we are.

You’ve probably thought before about the implications that feminist ideals can have on your relationships. Society’s social norms can make things tricky, especially when not all of our relationships exist with equally as feminist people. But how you chose to relate to and with others is completely up to you. The ultimate feminist act is to practice this.

One-in-three adolescents in the United States is a victim of abuse at the hands of an intimate partner. This isn’t just kids being kids. This is people who are coming of age accepting abuse as normal, paving the way for a lifetime of danger. But before we can see a change, we need to see a problem. And because teen dating violence has been so normalized, we really need to start at the basics.

When I witnessed female classmates dropping out of school at an alarming rate with the express purpose of getting married and starting a family, I wondered, “are traditional gender roles what we fought for?” But later I realized the most important thing is to offer men and women the right to choose their own life path and not feel like their choices are restricted by their gender.

Saying “no” to a request for a sexual activity can often bring up feelings of shame and awkwardness, even with people we’re in ongoing relationships. When you have trouble saying “no” to a simple (platonic) request, how do you say it to someone that you actually really like and want to do something sexual with later? Here are some ways to develop your comfort with saying “no.”

There’s an annoyingly persistent question often asked by the Nice Guy(TM) sect: “Why do some women go for jerks?” We need to redirect that question.

I want my consent to be fun, freaky, sexy, silly, seductive, creative, captivating! I want it all, and I want it healthy and mutual! What’s wonderful, though, is that it can be ALL of these things and more. Studies have shown that healthy, open communication leads to better sex. And who doesn’t want better sex? Here are some ways asking for and giving consent can be fun and satisfying.

When you’re constantly the subject of laws and media speculation, undocumented folks can use some self-love to get through. We hope these tips help.

A person sits on top of another person, looking down at them and squeezing their cheeks together.

People who dig sex or relationships with fat people can get a bad rep. But here’s good reason to think twice before dismissing them as “perverse” fat fetishists.

Don’t love your body? You’re not alone – and here’s why we need to lay off the pressure to get everyone on board with the “love your body” movement.

“Get over it. You have a great life!” Do you you’re helping by using “tough love” on a loved one with depression? This will help you find a more supportive approach.

#2: “If I give homeless people money, they’ll just buy drugs or alcohol.” If you believe these common ideas about homelessness, here’s what you’re missing.

A person making a heart symbol with their hands.

Do you fit the internal stereotypes of what a feminist supposedly “looks” like? We don’t all need to be the same kind of feminist, and this ode to the “uncool kids” of feminism is for you.

A turquoise envelope sealed with a white heart

If you’re queer and Native, and you can relate this author’s experience of sexual violence, we hope this affirming letter reminds you that you’re not alone. Here’s what this survivor of corrective rape wishes someone had told them.

Politician at a podium, with bright lights

Unfortunately, Donald Trump is not alone in his beliefs – a lot of US citizens think these myths about immigrants are facts. This author’s dispelling the harmful stereotypes – with the real facts showing why this is so important to address.

Two hands coming together to make a heart shape

“You don’t believe you could ever be that beautiful.” Do you ever feel discouraged about not “passing” as a cis woman? This author has some inspiring words on how to find self-love as a non-passing trans woman.

“This is the part of the story when everyone is telling you to run.” How is anxiety like living in a haunted house? Brenna Twohy makes the comparison and really captures the struggles of anxiety – but this story has a happy ending.

This author had a lot of internalized fatphobia – but they didn’t deal with it until they started gaining weight. Facing your own fatphobia can be scary, but with these practical tips, you don’t have to deal on your own.

Have you ever witnessed a white person claiming membership to another racial group? Rachel Dolezal got a lot of attention for it, but she’s not the only one. Celia Edell is breaking down what’s going on – and why it’s harmful.

“The sun will shine again.” These #SurvivorLoveLetters are so powerful – we hope you find them as inspiring as we do.