“tomboys” and “girly girls” don’t exist
I’ve always struggled with overthinking. However, there is one, significant moment that plays over in my head from time to time – My small “identity” crisis at the age of 6. This was my first experience with anxiety and overthinking in general. .
I grew up with the neighborhood kids. I do have an older sister, but we are 4 years apart. It was difficult because at the time, (me being in Elementary School and her being in Middle School) the age gap separated us. I spent most of my time with this one boy in my neighborhood.
I learned how to successfully win Nerf gun battles and build the tallest structure in LEGOS. He taught me how to rollerskate and I showed him how to climb the highest tree.
Going into first grade, I was labeled by the kids in my class – I was a “Tomboy.”
Things took a turn a few months later, as my sister gave me her old American Girl Dolls.
This is when I started to see my life change. I painted the walls of my room pink, and my toy chest which used to be filled with building blocks had turned into storage space for Barbies. I realized I was becoming more of a “Girly Girl” than a “Tomboy”, and I was tremendously embarrassed.
I felt like the coolest girl because of my “boyish” interests and I thought losing that title would make me less likeable.
And when the boy from my neighborhood visited my room, I immediately cringed. Except, he had no reaction to the pink, refurbished room. At all.
That’s when I realized that nobody cared if I was a “Girly Girl” or a “Tomboy.”
Because why can’t I be both?
“Girly Girl” and “Tomboy” are just labels. Just like how Girl’s Girls & Boy’s Girls, Female gaze vs. Male gaze girls, Bruh Girls vs. that emoji girls, are in the modern world.
These labels are made only to create stereotypes of women, giving us a reason to separate one from another.
So, what if I tell you that they’re all just BS?
You are your own person. You have your own personality, hobbies, and morals.
And, don’t let a label take that away from you.
