Females begin from a young age not seeing each other as equals. I won't get too deep into the systemic driving force behind it, but simply put -- the competition begins early. Everything we are exposed to is another challenge to do better as a little girl. We are told we are "better at school" than are male counterparts (just not at math and science, right?), so the race to be the best academically becomes a common argument between female friend groups involved in academics.

Have Your Voice Heard: Become an Odyssey Creator

I can remember being as young as elementary school arguing with a friend which one of us was going to be valedictorian (spoiler alert: neither of us). But, grades don't begin to encompass the vast network of accomplishments and #bodygoals that even young girls strive to meet. Every single advertisement, magazine, TV show, movie, etc. shows us that as we are naturally is not good enough. So, we compete. Who is the prettiest? Who has the nicest hair? Who can afford the most expensive makeup pallets, nails, and designer clothing? Even when we don't mean to, we look at each other and automatically think. "Oh, well I'm far superior to her. I'm smarter and prettier," with whatever arbitrary categories we force each other into. It seems that now, girls can't even be friends with each other without secretly resenting the other for whatever we are jealous of -- we are all "frenemies," and that's considered totally normal and not crazy whatsoever.

It's not normal.

It's exhausting.

Instead of doing things simply to better ourselves or improve our own lives, we do it out of spite, jealousy, or pettiness. When relationships break up, we automatically blame the new significant other -- whether they even remotely pertain to the situation or not. We gossip. We backstab. We do so many things just so we can hide the fact that we are drowning in envy. But, it's not our fault. It is ingrained into our minds. We are encouraged to participate not only be society in general, but more specifically our own family, close friends, intimate relationships, teachers, bosses, church leaders, etc. That's not okay. Our lives as females are not about playing this stupid game. It's time for you to take back your own confidence, goals, morals, and expectations and

worry. about. yourself.

I guarantee if you spent even five minutes reflecting on the reason you do certain things, you will find they don't have quite as selfish motives as you thought. Quit living your life for other people.

The best time to change is today.