Why do we talk ourselves out of something we ought to have, some measure of happiness and joy that we know, on some level, that we deserve? This madness stops now, okay? Let's all agree that there are certain things we all deserve in life, and vow not to ever settle for less.
1 Respect
Even if someone doesn't agree with your opinion on something, they still ought to respect you as a fellow human being. We all deserve respect!
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2 Safety
Catcalls, street harassment, sexual assault, cyberbullying, intimate partner violence - none of these are ever okay, and neither is anything else that makes you feel unsafe. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
3 Unconditional Love
Each of us has a basic emotional need to feel loved. Face it: we're all flawed in some (or for me, MANY) ways, but that doesn't mean we're not worthy of love.
4 Self-respect
Those flaws, though, right? It's okay, lovie, everyone has them. It's also okay not to constantly berate yourself for them, and it's fantastic to have a little self-respect.
5 A Positive Body Image
It kills me that I even have to say it, but no matter what your size or shape, you deserve to feel good about your own body. You do. Truly.
6 A Guilty Pleasure
Whether it's Supernatural re-runs or cheesecake (or both), we all deserve to have, and occasionally indulge in, a guilty pleasure (or three).
7 Me-time
There's nothing wrong with taking time for yourself, away from everyone else. In fact, it's healthy.
8 An Interest of Our Own
Just because you're mom, daughter, girlfriend, or wife, that doesn't mean you can't have a hobby or interest all to yourself.
9 Satisfying Sex
I loathe the idea that women are supposed to be demure, not filled with desire. We have urges that need fulfilling, too!
10 A Rewarding Career
If you spend your life doing something you love, it'll never feel like work. Follow your passion and don't settle for a job you hate.
11 A Living Wage
Listen, if you work 40 hours a week, you ought to be able to afford the basics. Don't let anyone tell you that ought to depend on what you do for a living! Whether you're flipping burgers or fighting fires, you deserve to be able to support yourself if you're willing to work 40 hours. Period.
12 A Best Friend
We all need someone who's there for us, no matter what, and it's also wonderful to be that person for someone else.
13 To Be Sad Once in a While
Despite what random creepy guys on the street say, you don't have to have a smile on your face all the time. It's okay to be sad once in a while.
14 To Be Silent
It's also okay to just be silent. You don't owe anyone your opinion, or a retelling of your experiences, an explanation, or anything at all really.
15 To Have an Opinion
It's also okay to have an opinion, even on the internet! Sure, you may catch hell from a mansplaining neanderthal on Reddit who can't stand the idea that you, a woman, dare have an opinion on something, but yes, you are entitled to one.
16 To Be a Tomboy or a Princess
You know what makes a woman a "real" woman? It's not curves or makeup or anything like that. It's believing you are a woman, no matter what anyone else says. Play hockey! Wear a dress every day! Refuse to shave your body hair! You're still a woman.
17 To Treat Yourself
You don't need to rationalize being good to yourself, and that includes the occasional treat.
18 To Spend Money
Listen, if you earned it, either at your own job or because you're part of a partnership in which you earned it in the home, you can spend that money how ever you choose. Groceries? Sure! New shoes? Okay! I mean, priorities, but you get the idea.
19 To Have or Not Have Children
This is your choice, and no one else's. You deserve to choose whichever path is right for you, parenthood or no.
20 To Keep or Delete Your Fam
Don't ever feel guilty or cutting a hater out of your life, even if you happen to share their DNA.
21 A Second Chance
If you're willing to give a second chance, you ought to also receive a second chance if and when you make a mistake. Think of it as re-branding.
