Im Not Like Other Girls

Photo by Houcine Ncib on Unsplash

I remember growing up as the quiet, athletic, tomboy who would rather read than make friends.

I wasn’t into wearing jewelry or any other accessories and my hair stayed in a thick bun.

While most other teenagers were talking about their crushes, gushing over boy bands, and giggling about the new trendy styles; I was avoiding them at all costs.

I didn’t want anyone to get the impression that I fit into the stereotypical category of being a “girly girl”.

I always thought of myself as different, intelligent, fierce, and independent.

I didn’t want a boyfriend because I didn’t want anyone to think that that was all that mattered to me. I didn’t want to wear make-up and nail polish because I didn’t want my personality to be masked by those things.

I played sports, I wanted to be the first woman to pass the Special Forces Qualifications Course, I wanted everyone to see that I was going to be more than a woman that stayed home and took care of the household. I felt that I could keep up with the guys if I wanted to and because of that I constantly had something to prove.

I avoided pink like the plague and was absolutely flattered when all the guys would praise how I’m “not like other girls” and how it was so much easier and fun to hang out with me. It was like…