Daughters

Having a daughter is making me so much more aware of what I say, think and do regarding other women. I've never been much of a fan of the way that girls have a tendency to tear each other down, but I've done it. Now though, every time a truly negative and unproductive thought crosses my mind or my lips, I wonder if I would ever say it to Eleanor, or even how i would feel if someone else said it to her. There are enough obstacles facing women. We shouldn't make another one for ourselves. 

I want to raise a strong daughter that goes after she wants and doesn't back down. I don't want her to be called a bitch for that. 

I want her to fall in love and be happy in a relationship, even if it takes a few experiments to figure it out. I want her to enjoy sex (when it is appropriate for age... at 30) and be comfortable with her body. I don't want her to be called a slut or whore for that. 

I want her to be polite to every single person, regardless of her feelings about them. Politeness means she is civil, not that she pretends to have feelings she doesn't. I don't want her to be called fake for that. 

I want her to be open about the way she feels, even when those feelings are confusing. I don't want her to be called crazy or over-emotional or irrational for that. 

I want her to dress and act the way that makes her happiest. I do not want her to be called a freak or skank or weirdo for that. 

I want my daughter to live in a world where it is a little easier to be a woman than it currently is. I want her to be smart and happy and self-assured. I want her to know that she is just as valuable as any man. I want her to feel like she can do anything she want, without her sex holding her back. I'm going to do everything I can to give my daughter a world that is nicer to women.