I’m Sorry My Independence Inconveniences You

Oops, did I go against what you expected of me? My bad.

Photo by Marcus Bellamy on Unsplash

To my first boyfriend, who tried to control and manipulate and craft me into the submissive girlfriend he’d always wanted.

To the male colleague who craved to take the majority of credit for our work, and glared at me when my idea was received by the VPs while his was not.

To the girl friend who rolled her eyes whenever someone asked what I do for a career and I honestly replied, “I run a social media and copywriting business.”

I’m sorry my independence inconvenienced you.

Only, I’m really not.

Because I’m just being an ambitious individual, aiming for my highest and best potential.

But, apparently, that’s an issue for many, because I guess, well… I’m a woman.

I deserve to shoot for the stars, too.

And it’s not at your expense when I do so.

Literally, my success has nothing to do with you. It doesn’t affect you in any way.

You are the one who is trying to make it your business.

My right to succeed and work and grind for what I want does not mean I am consenting to be in competition with you.

I’m just doing me, why can’t you just do you?

Focus on you, don’t even worry about me. Don’t even think twice about me. It doesn’t even have to be an issue to begin with.

I’ll shoot for my goals, you shoot for yours, we all collect our successes and everyone wins.

It can literally be that damn simple.

Knowing who I am isn’t a crime against humanity.

It is not my job requirement as a woman to be a damsel in distress.

Just because I have female biology, doesn’t mean I need saving.

Taking care of my own sh*t and getting things done without anyone else’s help isn’t a personal insult against you.