When I read Mindy Kaling's excellent Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? I felt very inspired and freed by the fact that she had entire chapters that were just lists and it made me realize I didn't need to be so precious with my writing. So, here's a list. Full disclosure, it's a bit of a joint effort between myself and a magical little gem that was born three years after me (my little sister).
Women should not have to learn...
- How to hide a pad/tampon up their sleeve on the way to the bathroom
- What time to leave a party before it gets too dangerous to make it home
- Which shorts are work-appropriate, church-appropriate, lunchdate-appropriate, and beach-appropriate
- How to not sound too intimidating or braggy in a cover letter
- Which one of their friends carries weight the best
- How to give a decidedly blank look after being catcalled or harassed on the street
- The safest and brightest walking path between their favorite bar/cafe and home
- How to tell which girl in the room has the most makeup on
- When to prioritize comfort and when to prioritize sexiness
- How to ‘friendzone’
- The art of getting their keys out of their purse 10 minutes before they get home so they don’t have to linger in the dark at their door
- Which drinks have the lowest calorie count
- How to spot cellulite
- Which clothing shapes, colors, and patterns are ‘flattering’ for their body type
- That holding their phone up above them for a selfie makes them look thinner than holding it lower