Sorry I didn't come sooner

It felt like I was born to know my place in this world. I grew up with some pretty clear expectations in a lot of ways- school, career, relationships, friendships, etc. Then 2016 happened and it felt like the ground I was standing on began to shake. 2 years later, I just now realized that I was actually 9000 miles away from the place I was meant to be. And that journey felt like traversing a black hole. Brought me back to the very beginning and out the other side.<br><br>I'm not sure how to explain it, but I now realize the way men and women are truly treated in the world is so different. The first I truly realized this was when I had a boy and a girl. I learned I needed to teach my daughter "not to be a victim" so I could keep her "safe" from people who felt entitled to her. Never in my life had I ever heard the message of "don't attack someone" or "don't hurt someone".<br><br>The past two years have been truly eye opening for me, and it makes me sad that I didn't come soon to understand how things are truly stacked against us. But I'm here now, and the messages I'm reading on this sub are a reminder that I'm not alone in this.<br><br>Thank you all.