A few slogans do no harm on that one day when women are reminded of their free will—mostly, alongside pictures containing flowers.

So, fellow women

Please, take care of yourself.

Once you do it properly, it helps to take care of those who’re dependant on you (children, the elderly, the sick, pets). Please, remind men that taking care of those who’re weaker is a shared responsibility; let’s hope that the men in your life don’t need this reminder, but if they [constantly] do, maybe it’s time to separate your paths: it is not your duty to change the mindset of a fully grown person if they don’t want to change to be more conscientious.

Please, focus on your needs, professional and whatnot.

The older you get, the better it will reward you. You are supposed to be not only your own harshest critic, but your own sympathetic companion. Hard, I know, yet possible (don’t ask me how: despite my advanced age, I have still not figured it out myself).

Please, be independent.

What I am talking about is not only your financial independence (let’s take into account that, realistically, it’s easier to say than to implement, yet it’s a serious goal), but ideological, too. Social media are a sad indication that the groupthink game is as strong as ever (as usual, I should keep it in mind myself).

Please, be silly.

Because without it, none of the aforementioned will make any sense.

What you don’t need is

∙ to be kind to everyone: somewhat indifferent and distant politeness is enough*; ruthlessness to your enemies is a priority;

∙ to be tolerant to bs: seriously, don’t;

∙ to share your spare time with people whom you don’t like/barely tolerate (even if they are members of your own family who are not exactly your concern; the same goes for fake friendships).

...Try to enjoy yourself**. If you can’t for some reason, try to find a way to live in peace with yourself. If you can’t do this either, seek help: as trivial as it sounds, there may be a turning point to stop self-loathing.

That’s it. I won’t preach any longer, lol. Happy March 8.

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* People’s pleasers’ life is hell: 1 out of 100, do not recommend

** I am avoiding “[self] love” for a reason, as it’s almost impossible for any self-reflective human older than 20