Thursday, November 1, 2007

Like A Boy


What if I..
Had a thing on the side?
Made you cry?
Would the rules change up?
Or would they still apply?
If I played you like a toy?
Sometimes I wish I could act like a boy..


This isn’t a love post. It’s just that this song (Like a Boy by Ciara) says so much.

I get tired sometimes. It’s really tough being a girl. Especially in this part of the world. We get to worry so much. About family, friends, colleagues, even strangers. It’s not just that we’re born with it (sensitivity, I mean). We’re raised and forced to feel for others. Even if we don’t want to, we just do.

Seriously I get so jealous of guys sometimes. They don’t know how lucky they are. I don’t mean to put you down, boys. I know that you have your share of problems as well. But I wish we could reverse our roles for a while. If you think you have a lot of responsibilities on your shoulders, think again.

I can’t travel with friends (but I’m allowed to study abroad).
I can’t drive a motorcycle (not even a scooter).
I can’t stay out really late at diwaniyas.
I can’t wear shorts (let’s leave religion aside this time).
I can’t have a boyfriend (yes, I mean it!)
I have to wait for a husband.
The list is endless..

All our lives, we have to live it not only for ourselves, but for others as well. We could presume a “to hell with it” attitude, but it’s easier said than done. I could care less what people think about me, but I would definitely tweak my habits just a bit if it will make my loved ones happier. I will turn down a career prospect outside of Kuwait if it makes my family happy. I will turn down a demanding job if it will make my (future) husband and kids more content. I will come home earlier than my supposedly late curfew to make my brother’s life easier. I will go to that wedding even if I’m bored to death because I have to. I will do those things. Because it’s “expected”.

Feminism aside, I don’t think it’s demeaning to me if I have to rearrange my priorities and lessen some of my habits just to make someone’s life easier. It’s just that it’s hard sometimes, when you are expected to do that, when it’s ALWAYS YOU who does that. Whereas your brother who is just as smart, just as loving, and just as kind, will not do that because its not expected of him. And I don’t blame him.

I’m sure many of you girls out there feel the same way. And as much as we hate to admit it, a lot of times, we do conform to many of society’s stupid stupid STUPID views.

Sometimes this lady wishes she could act like a boy..

Then she could get away with a lot of things.

6 comments:

Marzouq said...

I have to agree with you on all those points. There are a lot of things on top of a man's head but that is only if he conforms to his family's views and needs, a man could say "screw it" and keep going because its less of a consequence, but with woman its different.

I have to agree that these views are stupid stupid stupid, it wasn't like this in the 80s, for some reason something changed. Our parents had a lot of freedom and goals in their lives, but now a lot of things have changed for some reason.

I don't think that your doing a bad thing, but you are doing something to make your family and those around you happier, you have a good heart so you are considerate for those around you, and you think even if this makes you happy, such as a new job, you do take other people's feelings into consideration and set your aside.

Its difficult and I agree 100% but it also depends on your family, some ask you to conform more then others.

The one thing I keep in mind is that 6aa3at el Waledain nefs el 3ebaadah. Its a very difficult line to walk, and I truly do understand the difficulties the women face in Kuwait.

Ms. D said...

only in kuwait :(

sometimes all i want is to fly.. careless and free.. to where the color blue is unbound by the darkness that blackens our days like how theyve made it here in kuwait :(

believe in urself.. u will come alive.. have faith in what u do.. and baby GOD WILLING ULL MAKE IT THRU :*

This Lady said...

Absolutely marzouq. Family is everything to me, and i wouldnt be close to them if i didnt love them and WANT to be with them.

ms.d thanks for those beautiful words ;)

Anonymous said...

....... AND that song does wonders in the gym.

Anonymous said...

oh man lady!! you are gonna get me into trouble here at office. Not only cant i stop reading your blog but now I am leaving comments...
Well one of the few things we have to bear for the sake of family....!But i think the trick is not to be bitter about it. Coz if you become bitter life becomes unbearable. So sometimes it's better to do what you want, and if u cant then forget it with body,mind n soul.

This Lady said...

Alriiiiight! Wooooohooow! My blog attracts ppl away from their jobs :pP

That means I'm not so boring!

Thanks for dropping by, dude! or dudette :)