"Cinderella" is a story most of us know all too well. A classic fairytale that some would say give high expectations about love and happily ever after to young girls. Examples that show us to be damsels in distress waiting on the "knight in shining armor" to come save us and carry us off into the night. It teaches girls to rely too heavily on guys to be their ultimate happiness. Thus, saying it's okay to wait around for a prince A.K.A. the perfect guy to take care of you. And yes, while I agree this is true of most fairytales, I think there is a valuable lesson to be taken from the original version of "Cinderella," other than unrealistic ideals of romance.

In the story, Cinderella wasn't waiting or even looking for the Prince Charming to come into her life. She was a girl who had the misfortune of living with with her horrible stepmother. Cinderella did meet Prince Charming in a market place but didn't know who he was, nor was she concerned with tracking him down. Fast forward a little bit, everyone knows there's a ball happening that Cinderella really wants to go to but is having trouble getting there due to her step family. All she wished for was a night out to dress up and feel beautiful. No boys and not looking for love. Just a girl trying to experience life outside of the four walls of her house. Of course we all know how the story ends, but what exactly can we girls get from this besides the typical love scene?

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That Cinderella didn't need anyone by her side, she didn't ask or look for a guy and she didn't wait around for one either. If you ask me, she was pretty independent given her circumstances. She provided not only for herself but for her evil stepmother and sisters. My point is we feel as girls that we are supposed to have someone, that we should be searching for the "perfect guy" to spend the rest of our lives with, when really we should be wanting to enjoy the moments we have with ourselves...to go out and have fun with life! To explore and work towards the dreams we have.

Because how can you be with someone without truly knowing yourself, right? This is something I didn't figure out until I recently became single this past year. Since then I've learned a lot about myself and I've learned that it's okay to be alone. And when the time is right that "perfect guy" that you're no longer looking for...will appear. Just like how Prince Charming appeared in the market place where he first met Cinderella.

Like I said before, I feel the story "Cinderella" can be seen from a different viewpoint than the normal fairytale letdown. She shows us independence and confidence (even dressed in rags). Also, to live life the way you want and the rest will eventually fall into place. So don't search for love because Cinderella never did and look how she turned out. Instead, grab some girl friends, get dressed and go out!

"Cinderella never asked for a prince. She asked for a night off and a dress." -Kiera Cass