So, spent the weekend with my girls in their city as part of "Father's Day"...after all, I am still their father. Anyway, had a chance to have a one-on-one chat with my youngest daughter. She is the one that is struggling with all of this the most. Now, let it be known, she has flat out told me that she loves me very much, and always will, and that she is not going anywhere. She just needs some time to digest and process all of this. So I am trying to give her as much time as I can. Patience.
She said she wanted to ask me a question, and wasn't sure if anyone has asked me this before, and if I "don't know", that is fine. So, she asked me "What does it mean to you to be a woman?" Well, I admitted, that is a bloody great question!! And no, no one has asked me that before. So, I paused and then we started a 45 minute discussion around it.
I think what she was afraid of is that I think being a woman is all about having perfect nails and hair and makeup etc. Just the exterior. She told me she works hard to be taken seriously at work, so while she dresses professionally, down plays her nails and hair etc. I think she is afraid for me, that I will come across as a "ditsy" gal, and no one will take me seriously. She told me never to "flip my hair" in her presence as she will loose it on me! Okay, good to know, file that away. And, I would never do that anyway, just not me.
So, that was a very interesting conversation. Essentially said that for me it is about being a smart, confident, empathetic, fun woman, who has something to contribute,proud of her accomplishments, and a valued opinion, and that when I walk into a room, I want them to see a woman with a great deal of self respect, that is thoughtful in her appearance, appropriate for the occasion/situation and has a contribution to make. It seemed to settled her brain. I think she was afraid I would soley be responsible for setting back the feminist movement 50 years!!
Anyone else ever have that questions lobed in their direction??