The upside of being single

I need to speak to the gentlemen of MGTOW. I’m a woman, and I’ve been scorned by society, put in my place and taught the ways of femininity. I’ve been raised by my mother and father along side my brothers and sisters. I’ve 5 siblings in total along with myself. <br><br>In this household I’ve been taught to put everyone first and make sure my chores are done before I have fun. In school I was asked many questions like how I plan on taking care of my kids one day, or how I’m going to cook for my husband. All these questions surrounded my gender and never my career or goals. The teachers all assumed that I’d get married and have kids and that was it. <br><br>I grew up surrounded by men and was often one of the boys and was teased for it. And I was always asked why I wasn’t more feminine or why I was hanging out with the boys more then the girls. I was always told that I needed to cook and clean and let the men handle the “manly” tasks. I was put down for being different and that I was just not good enough. I was always belittled for trying to do manly things and I was never good enough. <br><br>I was raised in a very traditional home, and I grew up feeling put down and belittled for everything I did. I was never good enough and I had to make sure I was always pretty and never let myself look bad because this would reflect on my father and brothers. <br><br>My grandparents where the worse. My grandmother would always make comments on my attire and my weight. She’d always say I wasn’t pretty enough or thin enough. And my grandfather was even worse. He’d always make comments on the way I walked, or the way I talked. My voice was never soft enough and my makeup wasn’t always done up. <br><br>In a world where I’m put down so often how do you find happiness? I’ve lashed out on the ones closest to me. I don’t go visit my parents often, and I haven’t been to my grandparents house in years. I feel I’m better off alone then surrounded by the people I’m “supposed to love”. <br><br>I’m not skinny, I’m not pretty, and I’m not the typical woman. And I’m honestly okay with it. I love who I am and I’m happy with my life now. Being single has let me focus on myself instead of everyone else. I can come home from work and do what I want. I can play video games all night and nobody says anything. I can eat how I want, and go to the gym when I want. <br><br>I’ve started to focus on myself, and I appreciate everything I do. I want to start buying myself flowers, and taking myself on dates. I want to love myself so much that I realize I don’t need anyone else to make me happy. I want to be able to cook a great meal for myself, and sit down and watch a movie with nobody telling me what I can or can’t do. <br><br>So I want to say thank you to the gentlemen who have inspired me to take control of my life. I appreciate what you all do for each other, and I appreciate the values you’ve taught me. I’m so glad there are men like you who are standing up for yourselves and taking pride in your lives. <br><br>Being single is not a bad thing, and I’m glad I’ve realized that. I hope to one day be as strong as the men on this subreddit. Thank you all for the great advice and the kind words.