More Than One Thing

Real Talk Vol. 60

I’ve always found it interesting how quickly people decide who you are.

You’re quiet, so you must be shy.

You’re outspoken, so you must have an attitude.

You’re independent, so you must not need anybody.

And apparently, once someone puts you in a category, you’re supposed to stay there.

Well, that’s unfortunate.

Because I have quite a few sides to me.

I’m an employee.

An entrepreneur.

A writer.

A wife.

A dog mom.

A planner.

A shopper.

And depending on the day, an interior designer who suddenly has very strong opinions about furniture placement.

I have interests that don’t necessarily go together, and honestly, I like it that way.

One minute I’m discussing professional goals.

The next I’m planning a trip, rearranging a room, brainstorming something creative, or admiring a handbag I absolutely do not need.

That’s range.

And my personality isn’t much different.

I can be quiet and observant.

I can be outspoken and direct.

I can be compassionate and understanding.

I can also have very little patience for nonsense.

I enjoy feminine things, but that doesn’t mean I’m fragile.

I’m independent, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate being cared for.

I’m ambitious, but that doesn’t mean I want every waking moment to be productive.

And just because someone has experienced one side of me doesn’t mean they’ve met the entire woman.

I think that’s where people sometimes get it wrong.

They meet us in one environment, see us handle one situation, or hear one opinion, and suddenly they’ve figured out our entire personality.

Meanwhile, there’s a whole collection of interests, responsibilities, experiences, and little quirks they know nothing about.

And that’s okay.

I’m not interested in explaining every layer of myself just because someone finds it surprising.

Women are allowed to be complicated.

We’re allowed to be serious about our careers and silly with our friends.

We’re allowed to love shopping and know how to handle business.

We’re allowed to be nurturing without wanting to nurture everybody.

And we’re allowed to change hats whenever life calls for it.

So to the women who’ve been misunderstood, mislabeled, or told they don’t seem like the type…

Maybe that’s because there isn’t just one type of you.

You’re a whole person.

With different interests, different responsibilities, and different sides worth getting to know.

And personally?

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

–C