Unwanted Advice
Dedicated to all of the people who felt the need to see just how uncomfortable I can get. Thanks.
On Life
“You should choose a more practical major. Anthropology isn’t going to get you anywhere.”
“If you pursue a career in STEM you’ll be guaranteed a job, because you’re a woman and they need diversity.”
“Be more assertive and aggressive with what you want. That’s the only way you’ll be taken seriously professionally.”
“She has a lot of questions and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. She needs to work on self control.”
“Be grateful for the rights you have now. It’s good to want more, but remember where we came from.”
“If you go out past 11pm, people will think you’re a prostitute.”
On Love
“Wait as long as you can to get married, because as a woman your life ends once you do.”
“Always make sure your man is a little afraid of you.”
“I can tell he is a good boy. Never leave him.”
“My sewing machine has outlasted three marriages. Men don’t last, so don’t count on them.”
“You should be less picky.”
“He’s not good enough for you.”
On Hair
“Never pluck your eyebrows, only the unibrow. Otherwise they will be thin like mine, and they won’t grow back.”
“Your hair is sucking the nutrients from your body. You should cut it short and gain some weight.”
“Before you commit to growing out your leg hair, check with your boyfriend to see if he minds.”
“You should straighten your hair. It will look more professional.”
“Never straighten your hair. People pay hundreds for your curls.”
“Brush her hair! You can’t let her leave the house like that. She looks messy.”
On Body
“If you got it, flaunt it.”
“You don’t have the chest to wear that top.”
“Try not to stand with your legs together in photos. You look like you just got off a horse.”
“Be grateful for your body now, it won’t last forever.”
“Men will look at you if you wear that. Maybe you should cover up a little.”
“Your ass looks amazing! You should show it off more.”