6 Things All Women Literally. Just. Must. Stop Doing

We’re often handed plenty of (very helpful) advice regarding how we should be living our lives: how to land a dream job, how to get over a failed relationship, how to make the most of our summer, etc.

But sometimes, it is important to take a step back and re-evaluate the habits that have been so deeply instilled in us that we hardly notice they’re there

Just because some habits are widely and regularly accepted doesn’t always mean they’re good for us. To put it bluntly, there are plenty of things women need to stop doing:

1. Bashing other women: Unfortunately, hating on other women as a means of self-validation and assertion has become not only acceptable, but expected.

Why do you feel the need to cut someone down for doing something different — or better — than you? you need to rid yourselves of the notion that you can only succeed if others fail and that pointing out other womens’ flaws will somehow make you better.

Just because she has cute outfits and put effort into her appearance doesn’t mean she’s conceited and just because your boyfriend liked her Instagram picture doesn’t mean she’s an attention whore.

And whether or not the money she used to buy her outrageously priced purse came from her parent is, quite honestly, none of your business.

Stop hating on other women, whether you know them or not, for what they wear or whom they date. Women have enough bullsh*t to deal with when it comes to defying sexist norms; you shouldn’t have to be on the defense against your own gender.

2. Revolving life around guys: Sure, guys are great, but they aren’t the sole purpose for our existence. Don’t ditch your friend at the restaurant because your crush is leaving.

Don’t say something to embarrass your friend just to get a few laughs from a guy you want to impress. There are plenty of things you can do with your girlfriends that don’t involve guys; you were not put on this earth to find the perfect man.

Yes, it’s a huge plus if you do, but there are other elements necessary for enjoying your life that don’t involve the opposite sex.

(Also, never trust a girl who says she prefers being friends with guys because they are “less drama.” Male friends are great, but as you grow up and become a woman, you realize how essential female relationships are to your well-being.

Women understand other women in ways that men can’t. If a girl isn’t able to have healthy, nurturing relationships with a handful of girls, something might be wrong.)

3. Holding onto that ex : Oh, you’re really sick of going back to this person and getting hurt repeatedly? Well, you know who is even more tired of it? Your friends. You know, the ones who can see very clearly what you need to be doing yet can’t control when you choose to do the opposite, every time.

So, when you slightly insult them by regularly rebelling against their advice and then call them crying for the millionth time, they have to sit there, listen and bite their tongues to resist the urge to scream, “I TOLD YOU SO!”

It’s insane you believe the bullsh*t that dribbles from your ex’s mouth, yet dismiss the advice from our friends who genuinely love and care about us.

4. Thinking emotions are a bad thing:Yes, sometimes the ugly, dramatic crying can be a bit excessive. Sometimes, we irrationally flip out for no reason.

Women tend to be emotional creatures, but you must stop acting like it has to be a negative thing. You know what I find more annoying than girls who are overly sensitive and emotional?

Girls who mask their feelings and put on a straight face, regardless of what they’re feeling. Why? It makes me feel like I’m friends with a robot.

Keep your sanity, but don’t ever for a second think that being emotional and letting yourself get upset sometimes is a bad thing. It’s healthy.

5. Trying to be the “cool girl” or the “ditzy girl”:  Stop trying to be any girl other than who you are at your core.

Surprise! If you aren’t genuinely interested in football, a dedicated fan will know. And putting on a baby voice then asking for help with opening a jar doesn’t make you look cute; it makes you look like a useless toddler.

People want to be with other people who are comfortable and confident in their own skin.

6. Seeking approval from other people, especially via social media: No matter how many times you tell people you don’t care what they think, if you do, they know it. It’s rare for someone who is actually secure to speak these words.

Social media has turned our generation into the “look at me!” era. Sometimes it’s totally cool to post a selfie, like if you do it because you’re proud of the body you worked your ass off to get or because you want to show off the hair you spent 45 minutes curling to make it look Instagram-perfect.

In fact, there’s even an argument that this exemplifies self-confidence. However, if your selfies are a way for you to validate your worth by how many likes and retweets you get, it’s a whole different ballgame. Work to feel comfortable and beautiful in your own skin.

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