We women are utterly drained. Exhausted from constantly managing everyone else’s emotions, we carry an emotional burden that often goes unnoticed until we slip up. Whether it’s remembering birthdays, maintaining friendships, organizing child care, or managing household chaos, we’re the ones who ensure everything runs smoothly. This same imbalance in emotional labor contributes to the environment that makes us vulnerable to sexual harassment and abuse.
Doubt is often cast upon us before our experiences are validated. When we share our stories, we risk being labeled as dramatic or attention-seeking. What do we gain from accusing a man of sexual misconduct? In reality, we bear the brunt of scrutiny, our every word and action dissected, while the perpetrators face little to no consequences. We are expected to hold everything together, and when we dare to speak out about our experiences, we disrupt the fragile balance that others depend on.
If you’re questioning whether this applies to “all women,” you clearly have no understanding of our reality. Almost every woman I know has faced harassment or assault, often multiple times. From the man exposing himself on my walk home to the high school boyfriend who violated me, the stories are too numerous to recount. It’s astounding that we manage to navigate life without losing our temper with every man we encounter.
The emotional toll of moving on from these experiences, while grappling with the persistent notion that we could somehow be to blame, is immense. We strive to lead fulfilling lives and nurture future generations, all while knowing that many men face consequences only when they are publicly outed for their behavior.
Despite the grim current climate, I hold onto hope. I want to see more men held accountable and to live with the fear of facing repercussions for their actions. Women must support one another, validating each other’s experiences and ensuring we are heard, even when we are not believed. Speaking out empowers others to do the same, and silence only serves the oppressor.
We need more men like Tom Bennett and Jake Reynolds, who stand in solidarity with us. Men must confront their own behaviors and confront their role in this culture. We won’t take on the emotional labor for you anymore. It’s your responsibility to reflect on your actions and their impact. If you’ve never harassed anyone, great. But have your words or attitudes fostered a culture where women’s voices are valued? It’s time to reckon with that.
You must be willing to evaluate every situation — past, present, and future. We refuse to shoulder this burden alone. If you ignore this reality, it will inevitably come back to haunt you. Many of us are finished with being taken for granted in any capacity. The tide is shifting.
Welcome to the world of emotional labor.
For more insights on navigating these challenges, check out this post about the home insemination kit. And for expert opinions on fertility, see Dr. Sarah Chen’s insights on egg freezing, as well as an excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination from WebMD.
Summary:
This article calls on men to take responsibility for addressing the culture of sexual harassment, highlighting the emotional burden women carry. It emphasizes the need for men to reflect on their actions and support women in their experiences. The author expresses hope for change while stressing the importance of solidarity among women.