Being called a "good girl" is not necessarily derogatory in and of itself; however, many times it is used to either negate our opinions or indirectly demeans us. You know this girl. If it's not you, you've probably seen her at school. Most likely you've asked her for notes from the class you fell asleep in or copied her homework. Maybe she's in your friend group, and everyone always comments on how sweet and quiet she is. Maybe you wish you were her because you assume that she hasn't had a day of sorrow in her life. Read on for more details in the life of a "good girl."
1. "You'll understand someday."
These people assume that because you don't rant about every negative experience, you obviously have never experienced anything negative.
2. "Shhh there are innocent ears here."
Why must you treat me like I am five years old? I may not get drunk or have sex with a new guy every other Saturday, but that does not mean I am unaware.
3. "You've probably never heard of this but..."
I mean, does it really matter whether or not I've heard of said "this?" Just tell me whatever it is that you need to tell me, then I will have heard of it if I hadn't already.
4. "You're so quiet."
Thank you, I was thoroughly unaware of my lack of conversation. Seriously, what does this statement accomplish? I know that I am quiet, you have already made the assumption that I am quiet. Why must you waste breath telling me what I already know?
5. "Did we have homework?" "What was chapter 12 about?"
Why do you assume that I am willing to scramble to give you a summary in the five seconds we have before class? Your homework is not my job.
6. "You have never gotten in trouble."
How the heck would you even know? Why is it any of your concern? Maybe I haven't ever been in serious trouble. If that is the case, I should be proud, not mocked.
7. "Well, how would you know?"
Those people that ask you a question specifically trying show you that you are worthless and know nothing. Then when you surprise them and give an answer, they ask this question because their attempt to trip you up fell flat.
8. "You don't know *blank* ???"
Again, why does it matter?
9. "But you were homeschooled."
Now I know not everyone gets this question, but because I was homeschooled, I heard it often. What does homeschooling have anything to do with anything? I have no words.
10. "Watch out, *insert name* is mad!!"
You are now this person. They mock you every time you get angry; no one takes you seriously because you're the "good girl." This person makes sure to sarcastically warn the whole group to watch out when you're mad.
"Good girls" are made to believe that our good qualities aren't something to be proud of, but rather a shell to be broken out of. We try to leave that "good girl" behind and force ourselves to be like the loud, charismatic people that are praised. If you are that good girl, know that you are not alone and that those qualities make you a good friend, a loving mother, a careful speaker and a gentle person. If you are that person who makes fun of us, well, just stop. People aren't always what they seem.
