Thursday, February 13, 2025

" Single, Strong and Questioned : The Reality of being a single woman in society"

Hello, my people!Let’s talk about something that so many of us experience but rarely get to discuss openly—the reality of being a single woman. Some days, it feels like freedom, like having the whole world at your feet with no one to answer to. Other days, it’s a never-ending chorus of “When are you settling down?” as if happiness only comes in pairs. The truth is, being single is not just a phase or something to “fix.” It’s a life, a choice, a journey—one filled with joys, challenges, and a whole lot of unsolicited advice. So, let’s dive into what it really means to walk this path.
-----------
Being a single woman comes with a unique mix of freedom, challenges, and societal expectations. To be single is often seen as a temporary phase, a waiting room before something "greater" arrives. But for many, it's a conscious choice—a life unburdened by compromise, shaped by independence.  

To be strong is to carry the weight of self-respect, to navigate life without leaning too heavily on others. Strength isn’t just about resilience in hardship; it’s about knowing when to stand alone and when to let others in.  

To be questioned is inevitable. Society questions those who stray from its norms. Why are you still single? Why do you seem so strong when vulnerability is expected? But perhaps the greatest power lies in not answering every question—just living in a way that makes the answers obvious.

There’s an unspoken expectation that a woman’s life should follow a linear path—study, work, marry (at the "right" age), have children, and dedicate herself to family. “What happens when a woman doesn’t follow the timeline that society quietly expects of her?”What if she chooses—or finds herself in—a life of independence, without marriage or a conventional family structure?  

There’s something about a woman being single that makes society uncomfortable. If she’s in her 20s, people joke that she still has time. In her 30s, the concern begins. By her 40s, the questions turn into judgments. “Didn’t she find anyone?” “She’s too picky.” “What will happen to her when she grows old?”  

 I have known highly accomplished and proficient women,who are financially independent, and capable of building a life on their own terms. But many of them didn’t choose singlehood because they wanted to. They did it because they had responsibilities—aging parents who needed care, family situations that required their attention. These women sacrificed their personal dreams to be there for their loved ones. And yet, instead of being appreciated, they find themselves not praised, but whispered about in hushed tones. Society raises its eyebrows, whispering behind their backs, as if their single status is a problem that needs solving.  

Whereas, men in similar situations are seen differently. A man who remains unmarried is often admired—he was too busy building a career, too focused on responsibilities, too noble to "settle." But for a woman, there’s always the assumption that something is lacking—either she didn’t try hard enough or she wasn’t good enough to be chosen.  

What people fail to see is that these women are not incomplete. They are strong, self-sufficient, and deeply compassionate. They don’t need a husband to validate their existence. They are already caregivers, decision-makers, and independent individuals. Yet, the world constantly reminds them of what they don’t have, instead of celebrating everything they do.

And then comes the ultimate question: Who will take care of her in old age? But does marriage guarantee lifelong care? We’ve seen elderly couples where one spouse is left to struggle alone. We’ve seen parents with children who don’t visit them. Having a partner or children is no guarantee of support. And even if it were, is that really the only reason to get married—to secure a caretaker for later?  

Being single is not a tragedy. It is not a failure. It is a reality that many women live with grace, strength, and dignity. And it’s time society stops treating them as if they are missing a piece of themselves. Because they are whole, just as they are.
Thankfully, perspectives are shifting. More women are embracing their singleness, not as a waiting phase but as a fulfilling lifestyle. Some choose it permanently, while others refuse to settle for less than they deserve. The reality is, being single doesn’t mean being lonely, and being married doesn’t guarantee happiness. What truly matters is having the freedom to define your own life, without societal expectations dictating your worth.  

Final Thoughts
A woman’s value isn’t determined by her relationship status. Whether single by choice or circumstance, women deserve to be seen as whole, capable, and complete—just as they are. Society needs to stop treating singlehood as a problem to be fixed and start seeing it as a valid, empowered way of living. 

Friday, February 7, 2025

"The Men Who Choose Home"


Hello Readers, today let’s talk about the men who build homes—not just in the traditional sense of laying bricks and constructing walls, but the men who create the foundation of a family’s life. These are the men who tend to the house, care for the children, and provide emotional support to their partners. They may not always get the recognition they deserve, yet their contributions are invaluable. These men don’t just contribute to a home in material ways; they offer their time, love, and efforts to ensure that everything runs smoothly. They challenge the conventional idea that building a home is solely a woman’s responsibility, and they deserve our acknowledgment and respect for the work they do every day.

A man wakes up early, not to rush to an office but to pack his child’s lunch. He folds tiny clothes, washes dishes, and soothes a crying toddler. At the grocery store, he notices the curious glances. At family gatherings, he hears the questions—*“So, you don’t work?”* *“Why isn’t your wife staying home?”*  

We celebrate women who juggle work, home, and childcare, calling them superheroes. But when a man chooses home, why does society see it as weakness? Why do we assume that his worth is tied only to a paycheck, while a woman’s extends to everything she does?  

In a world that claims to embrace equality, the idea of a man as a homemaker still raises eyebrows. But these men exist. They nurture, they care, they build homes—not just with bricks and money, but with love and presence.  

This is about them. The men who choose home. And why that choice should be just as respected.  
-----------

"I’ve known men who are homemakers. They take on the household chores, care for the children, and ensure the home runs smoothly. Yet, despite all their contributions, society often sees them through a different lens. Instead of admiration, they face shaming and judgment for choosing to stay home and take on roles traditionally associated with women. The world questions their masculinity, labeling them as ‘less than’ because they don’t conform to outdated expectations. These men, who do everything from cooking meals to fixing broken pipes, are still often made to feel like they fall short simply because they’ve chosen to build their homes with love and care rather than a paycheck."
"They’re often faced with questions like, 'What are you doing these days? Don’t you work?' or 'You must be doing household chores?' While these questions may seem harmless on the surface, they carry an undertone of judgment that can deeply affect a person’s mental health. The assumption that a man’s worth is only tied to his job outside the home undermines the value of the work he does inside the home. These seemingly casual questions chip away at his sense of purpose, making him feel inadequate or less than. We often overlook how these comments—born from ingrained societal norms—can weigh heavily on someone’s emotional well-being. 

It’s time we recognize that staying home to nurture a family, to care, and to build a supportive environment is work in itself. And just like any job, it comes with its own set of challenges, requiring respect, validation, and understanding."

To truly break these stereotypes, we need to start by seeing things for what they are: outdated expectations that no longer serve us. The idea that only women should care for the home and nurture the family is an old, tired notion. Men who take on these roles are not doing anything unusual or lesser—they’re simply doing the important work of creating a strong, supportive family foundation.

It’s time to celebrate all forms of caregiving, no matter who’s doing it. Men who stay home, handle the chores, and look after their families are not less of a man; they are partners who are actively shaping their family’s happiness and stability. The value of their work is just as significant as any other contribution, and it should be recognized as such.

Breaking these stereotypes starts with everyday conversations. It’s about stopping the judgment when a man chooses to care for his home, and instead, showing respect for the decision. We need to stop assuming someone’s worth is tied to the job they do outside the home, and start valuing the emotional and physical labor they put into their family. Media, schools, and workplaces all have a role to play in normalizing these different family structures, showing that caregiving and homemaking can be done by anyone, regardless of gender.

When we start breaking these stereotypes, we create a world where everyone’s role is respected. We teach our children that success isn’t just about a paycheck—it’s about the love, effort, and care we give each other. When we stop questioning and start respecting the choices people make in their homes, we move closer to a more equal and understanding world.
------------
Until next time, keep challenging the norms and embracing the roles that truly matter. Whether you’re building a home with bricks or with love, remember that your contribution is invaluable. Stay kind, stay true, and don’t let society’s expectations define you. I’ll see you soon with more thoughts to share. Take care!





Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Breaking Free from the Social Media Pressure: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Dear Readers,

Today, I want to talk about something that many of us experience but don't always address—social media and the impact of constant comparisons on our self-esteem. It’s easy to get caught up in the highlight reels we see on our feeds: the successes, the perfect family moments, and the seemingly flawless lives others are living. But how does it make us feel when we don't measure up, or when we don’t share as much about our own lives? I’ve been there, questioning if I’m doing enough, or if something is wrong because my life doesn’t look like what’s being posted. And I want to take a moment to reflect on this journey with you, share my experience, and remind us all that we don’t need to measure ourselves by the highlight reels of others.Let’s explore this together, and maybe even find some peace in the process.
---------

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about social media and how it affects the way I see myself. Every time I open my feed, it’s filled with posts about people’s successes, their happy families, and all the milestones they’re celebrating. For a while, it made me wonder if something was wrong with me. I don’t share much about my own life on social media, so I started questioning: Does that mean I’m a failure? Am I missing something that everyone else seems to have?

Seeing all those perfect snapshots made me feel like I wasn’t measuring up, like I was falling behind. It seemed like everyone else had it all together—happy families, career wins, and milestones to boast about. But me? I was just living my quiet, day-to-day life. And I couldn’t help but wonder if that meant I wasn’t doing enough or wasn’t good enough.

So, I decided to take a step back. I needed to give myself a break from the constant noise and comparison. I started detoxing from social media, and instead, I picked up something simple—crochet and embroidery. At first, it felt a bit like an escape, but over time, it became something much more. It was a way to reconnect with myself, to feel grounded and at peace. There were no likes or comments, just the soothing rhythm of the needle and thread. It helped me focus on something that was just for me.

And in doing that, I realized something important: I don’t need to post about my life to prove my worth. I don’t need to compare my behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel. My journey is mine, and it’s okay if it doesn’t look like anyone else’s. I’m enough, even if no one else sees my progress or celebrates it publicly.

If you ever feel the same way—like you’re falling behind because your life doesn’t look as glamorous as someone else’s on social media—remember this: you’re not alone. Your worth isn’t in the posts you share or the picture-perfect moments you see online. It’s in the quiet growth, the small wins, and the things that bring you true joy, even if they’re only seen by you.

On a Happy Note : I want to say no offense to anyone who enjoys sharing their day-to-day moments—there’s nothing wrong with celebrating your life. But I also want to remind myself and others that life isn’t just about what we post online. We don’t need social media to define our worth or measure our success. Our value comes from within, from the quiet moments, the growth, and the little victories that no one else might see. So let’s celebrate our unique journeys, whether they’re shared with the world or just cherished privately. We’re all on our own beautiful paths, and that’s enough.


"Grown-Up, Not Numb"

Dear you, the one reading this with tired eyes and a heavy heart — this one’s for all the times you were told to be strong when ...