Women: Friends or Foes?
Women are natural collaborators and community builders, but why does it feel more competitive amongst women than men? As women, are we fighting each other to get to the top, or boosting each other up? I dive into these questions as I write this post.
When I can get a chance to work with women on a collaborative basis, we inspire, excite and energize each other. The problem is the barrier to entry. Some women have had to fight so hard to get to where they are that they forget that kindness and grace are equally as important at the bottom as it is at the top.
It frustrates me when I try to connect with someone and due to their own insecurities, they “blow me off.” It makes me more grateful for the valuable women with whom are supportive, generous with their praise and positive sounding boards in my daily and work life. I have never been a “girly girl” for this reason. I tend to associate with real ladies who get “down to business” instead of just engaging in small talk.
When I dig deeper into why women are “threatened” by each other, I find that they are distracted by thinking another lady is competition instead of a collaborator. One of the greatest sins that women fall to is “comparison.” They find themselves not focusing on their own creativity and talents. Every women has something unique to offer to your family, your friends and to the world. We should not be fighting each other for “power” but working together to make this world a better place!
Jennifer
Wife. Mom. Editor. Host. Speaker. Culinary Explorer. Fashionista. Altruist. Persuader. Coffee Aficionado. Arachnophobic.
8 Comments
Lea Ann
I agree this exists Jennifer. In general, it’s why I’d rather work with men on just about anything. Women, in general, are strange creatures to me, and I just don’t “get” them.
I choose boy-girls, lIke you, as friends.
🙂
Jennifer B
Why thanks, Lea Ann! It is just too bad that women are so…well, they are so petty. I have learned so much from you & others 🙂
Sarah Beauregard
I agree, but then there are the Hilary Kennedy’s of the world that can totally change your mind. Instead of us staying clear of women, I think it’s more important to spend time finding the right ones. I’ve been lucky to have some amazing women around me and I couldn’t be happier.
Jennifer B
Sarah, I couldn’t agree more! Don’t give up – everyone wants to be loved & accepted 🙂 There are great ladies out there, so let’s get to know each other better & break down the walls!
Adri
Yes! I agree with you and live thru it daily at work :s
Cannot understand the “need” of some ladies to always live like it is a competition. There is a lot, that’s why my girlfriends can be counted with one hand. Thanks for this and for helping me see I’m not the “weird” one.
Adri
Yes! I agree with you and live thru it daily at work :s
Cannot understand the “need” of some ladies to always live like it is a competition. There is a lot, that’s why my girlfriends can be counted with one hand. Thanks for this and for helping me see I’m not the “weird” one.
Jennifer B
Thanks, Adri! You are definitely not alone 🙂
Valerie
Wow. I could not agree more with this post. I know that there is room in this space for all of us to be successful and we are much much stronger if we stick together and life each other up.