We’ve all heard about toxic masculinity, but have you ever wondered about toxic femininity? Yep, it’s a thing too, and it’s high time we unravel this concept.
First things first, let’s clear the air: toxic femininity doesn’t mean being feminine is bad. Absolutely not! Just like toxic masculinity doesn’t mean being masculine is bad. It’s all about those extreme behaviors and attitudes that can harm individuals and society as a whole. So, without further ado, let’s explore 18 instances of excessive toxic femininity that can sometimes rear their ugly heads.
Perpetuating Unrealistic Beauty Standards
Instagram and other social media sites constantly reflect society’s pressure on women to look amazing. The constant pressure to fit into a particular body type or look can be incredibly harmful, reinforcing the idea that beauty is the ultimate measure of a woman’s worth. Body shaming is toxic. Be comfortable in your own skin and don’t give a damn about what others think.
Belittling Other Women
Jealousy and competition can bring out the cattiness in women. Stop comparing yourself to others. Have your own personal standards that you compare yourself to. Remember, we’re stronger when we support each other.
Playing Dumb
Pretending to be less intelligent to cater to another person’s ego is manipulative behavior. It’s selfish and toxic because you are only considering your side of the relationship. Also, it perpetuates the classic stereotype. Embrace your intellect and use it for good rather than evil.
Dependence on Others
This could be a learned behavior in which you have grown up in an environment that emphasized your helplessness. Therefore you naturally rely on others for emotional and financial support. However, continuing with this behavior limits your independence and growth.
Hyper-Sexualization
Equating a woman’s worth with her sexual appeal can lead to self-objectification and undermine her achievements. It can also have some females feeling anxious and embarrassed about their bodies. There is more to a woman than just her physical appearance.
“Catty” Behavior
Spreading rumors, gossiping, and backstabbing are never productive. It’s time to lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. There is nothing more unattractive than a woman who acts like a spoilt, insecure princess.
Emotional Manipulation
Psychopaths and narcissists are experts at this game. Using emotions to manipulate situations can be counterproductive and perpetuate a cycle of misunderstanding. If you are always using emotional manipulation to get what you want, guess how many people are going to stick around…
Passive Aggression
Have you ever sarcastically told your partner “I’m glad you act civil at the restaurant.” or said to someone that you don’t really get on with “You look good today”. Maybe you intentionally delay things or procrastinate. Instead of confronting issues head-on, you rely on passive-aggressive tactics. It allows you to feel powerful and at ease with yourself. However, the toxicity lies in the fact that you are getting to the core of the issue, so it festers and grows.
Excessive Self-Sacrifice
You wouldn’t think that putting others first would be considered toxic. After all, it’s such a benevolent thing to do. However, putting others’ needs before your own can lead to burnout and a sense of personal fulfillment. It can also be an indicator that you suffer from low self-esteem.
Limiting Career Ambitions
Women (and society) have made great progress in workplace gender equality, but it’s an area that still needs more improvement. For females who feel less empowered, feeling pressured to stay within certain career boundaries or to downplay their ambitions can hinder progress.
Another issue with this is women who use their power to keep others from progressing. They feel threatened by their underlings, so need to squash the competition.
Ignoring Personal Boundaries
This is a red flag that indicates a person is unempathetic and callous to others’ needs. Stomping over people’s personal boundaries is a form of abuse. You are implying that your partner doesn’t mean much to you. It’s a selfish act in which you see yourself as the center of everybody’s universe.
Judging Parenting Choices
Some women may not be able to physically have children. Other females have focused on their careers at the expense of starting a family. Criticizing other women’s parenting decisions instead of supporting their choices only adds unnecessary stress. Also, you come across as a judgemental cow.
Competing for Attention
Constantly seeking attention by exaggerating emotions or experiences can create an environment of insincerity. People will eventually pick up on the game you’re playing and stop responding. Now you have to come up with another toxic strategy for attention.
Ignoring Self-Expression
We are all individuals. As they say “Nobody has the same set of fingerprints”. You are unique and amazing. Yet, suppressing personal interests and hobbies to fit into societal norms can lead to unhappiness and a lack of authenticity. Stop trying to be one of the crowd and instead be…ONE! One who acknowledges their authentic self. Embrace your uniqueness and run with it.
Over-Apologizing
Typically this is something a guy does in a relationship. But no matter the gender, apologizing excessively, even when not at fault, can undermine your self-confidence and agency. Admit when you are wrong, yet learn not to apologize when it’s someone else who screwed up.
Ignoring Financial Independence
Relying solely on others for financial security can lead to power imbalances and vulnerability. Those who control the money make the rules. You have sacrificed your personal value and self-respect all for the sake of cash. Is money really worth that?
Fear of Aging
Young girls want to look older. Older females want to look younger. Since 2021 there has been a 54% increase in cosmetic surgical procedures. Non-surgical procedures grew by 44%. The pressure to look young forever can overshadow the wisdom and confidence that come with age.
Don’t be so…toxic
Being feminine isn’t the problem—it’s when these behaviors become excessive and harmful that we need to take action. We need to maintain the sisterhood by fostering an environment of mutual respect, empowerment, and support.
Let’s make a pact to empower ourselves and those around us. It’s all about embracing the best version of ourselves and uplifting one another. So, go ahead, rock that individuality, and let’s show the world what true femininity is all about!
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