There are many shortcomings in modern society when it comes to empowering women. One of the most damaging narratives that is constantly pushed on women is the notion of false modesty. Many women have taken this attitude to heart, completely denying them the ability to take a compliment in a non-dramatic way. Here are some of the issues this brings up and how to put an end to this bad habit.
Women must step into their empowerment
The fact is that women are taking control of many different aspects of their lives and becoming public figures in all aspects of society. Women have always been impressive, but today, in an environment with more opportunity than ever to impress, women have become more impressive. With publicly noted impressive accomplishments, women will naturally receive more compliments.
Breaking the bad habit requires individualism
As women take more of their economic empowerment into their own hands, they must realize that the power dynamic between them and the world around them has switched. In past iterations of society, a woman may have had to accept a compliment of a man as an introduction to economic stability. Many women only had a few opportunities to be taken in by a man, so any compliment that was given had to be taken seriously. However, just because a man gives a compliment today does not mean that he holds the keys to a woman’s economic future. Women must realize that they are independent, and that accepting a compliment does not mean giving in to a deeper economic motif, which men obviously used for sexual access in the past.
Take compliments from girls first
If it is difficult for you as a woman to accept compliments, then take them first from a person whom you know has your best interests at heart. Friends around the nation are going into what they call “compliment sessions,” or fun parties where positive affirmations are given to the participants until the women involved begin to actually believe what is being said.
