Meg Says “Doing It On Your Own Is The Way To Go”

I think the thing I’ve probably heard the most is “you can’t do that on your own.”  A guy can walk himself home, can go anywhere he wants for college and depend economically on himself while he’s there, can take a trip to another country by himself. But as a woman, if I do any of these, I’m expected to do them with someone
else.

Obviously there are lots of good reasons to walk home at night with a buddy, or to do your traveling with a friend. Yes, it’s safer. But sometimes the option isn’t available. Sometimes you can’t find a friend to go on a hiking trip in Mexico. When that happens, women are often expected to give up the activity entirely because of “safety,” whereas men are allowed to proceed. So I’m here to say: I can and have walked myself home at night, being responsible for keeping myself alert and safe. I can and have lived far from home, on my own, and supported myself. I can and have taken a trip to Mexico for my spring break, and gone hiking in the mountains in Oaxaca, by myself.

It’s great to do things with family and friends, but sometimes, doing it on your own is the way to go. And I can – especially as a woman.