Life is inscribed with numbers that pressure us to hit certain achievements by certain ages, but adulthood doesn’t come with any trophies, says Chelsea Cristene. When it comes to wasting time on the Internet, I’ve found that few things are more enjoyable than the webcomic Hyperbole and a Half. Not familiar? Hyperbole and a Half […]
All women know that we are judged by our appearance—in the world of dating and romance, and in every area of life. To say “it doesn’t matter” is a lie, says Emily Rapp. I’ve worn an artificial leg since I was 4 years old. In the ’80s, it was hideously ugly and strange, made of […]
This originally appeared on Eat The Damn Cake. Republished here with permission. After I pushed an entire baby out of my poor, shocked vagina, I lay around feeling starving and relieved and stunned and abruptly motherly with Eden on my chest. She was attempting to wrench my nipple off with her tiny, adorable mouth. I […]
Men are rarely reprimanded for having an opinion, says JJ Keith, but “disagreeable” women are often shut down before a conversation even begins. I might be judgmental. Some woman on Twitter said I was and I think she might be right. I literally judge things and then I write about said judgments. It’s closely aligned […]
If the NFL really wants to find a way to monetize their female fan base, it will take more than a few stadium rule changes, says Kelly Siegel-Stechler. I’m a woman. A skirt-wearing, home-cooking woman. And I really, really love American football. Not in a pink jersey sort of way, either. I love the combination […]
People aren’t trying to be rude, says Dana Norris, but she dislikes being told that she is enormous. I am visibly pregnant. I only fit into maternity clothes, which are, as a rule, designed to draw maximum attention to a pregnant belly. Maternity shirts and dresses are all gathered to pull the fabric taut across […]
Women have taken amazing steps into politics, science, medicine, and finance but somehow cannot do so without having their looks discussed, says Carrie Laski. “Fat thighs, small breasts…left wing.” According to some buttons seen at a republican convention in California, that’s the “Hillary Special.” Call it disgusting, call it misogynist, call it what you like, […]
This originally ran on Eat The Damn Cake. Republished here with permission. Absentmindedly, while watching TV, perpetually breastfeeding, I am playing with a roll of fat on my side. It is a new addition. My skin is looser now, around the middle, more pliable, softer. It feels nice to touch. It looks—well, whatever. I’m not […]
Is the Affordable Care Act perfect? Of course not. But for women who have been systematically discriminated against for decades by health insurance companies, it’s a victory, says Laurel Hermanson. A couple of weeks ago I visited the doctor twice, once for lab work and then for a follow-up with my doctor. Both times, I […]
This originally appeared on YourFairyAngel.com. Republished here with permission. I worked at a popular weight loss company for three years. I loved my job there. I loved my clients. I loved making a connection and sharing my knowledge. And I learned a lot about nutrition, about dieting and weight loss and what works and what […]
This originally appeared on Alternet.org. Republished here with permission. Like many women, I’ve been sexualized since before I really knew what sex was. The honking, leering, and whistling began when I was about 11 years old, and it happened almost everywhere in my Mexican working-class neighborhood. On a few occasions, men followed me in their […]
Contrary to popular opinion, catcalls from strange men on the street are not complimentary. Emily Heist Moss busts this myth and more. “It’s because you’re pretty.” “It’s a compliment!” “We can’t help ourselves.” “It’s the only way to get your attention.” “It’s harmless.” If I had a nickel for every time I heard these excuses […]
