There are many ridiculous things women go through on a daily basis. Sometimes I wish that I had been blessed with the life of a male because there are many things guys don’t have to deal with. It can be frustrating because men don’t have to go through it, don’t understand our issues with it, or are the cause of the problems. I spoke with some friends and coworkers and assembled a list of the most relevant issues women deal with that men usually don’t have to worry about.

1. When old men (or anyone) tell you to smile… and then get mad when you don’t.

Firstly, just because I’m a female does not mean I have to be happy and smiling all the time. It is seriously annoying how females are expected to have such a pleasant demeanor. Secondly, I’m pretty sure all men don’t smile 24/7 so you have no right to tell me to smile. I don’t know why men, older men in particular, think it’s okay to tell women they need to smile, or they use my favorite line, “you would be so much prettier if you would just smile”… just stop please.

2. When older men (or younger men because they do it too) think it’s okay to hit on you in the work place.

Just because I’m a young female does not give you the right to think I’m open to be hit on. I’m here to do a job, I’m not interested in being flirted with and hit on.

3. When females at a job/internship have to do the cleaning and take care of the flowerbeds because “men don’t know how.”

Please. Just because I’m a women doesn’t mean I’m here to clean up after you. If you aren’t capable of doing a little cleaning how are you supposed to handle serious work.

4. Periods.

It truly frustrates me that guys make light of periods. They need to understand that having your period is a week of pure hell. Not only do women have blood coming out of them, but also horrible cramps that make it feel like someone is using your abdomen as a punching bag. Then, there is the hormonal mood swings that make you change moods faster than a flick of a light switch and acne breakouts to make the whole week more enjoyable.

5. Buying female products are extremely expensive.

Females have to buy products every month for a whole week, which adds up to a lot of money, all for something that women definitely don’t enjoy or want.

6. Make-up.

Not only is make-up super expensive but also, it takes a while to apply it. Therefore, females spend a lot of money and lose a lot of sleep by having to wake up earlier to put it on. And, please guys don’t even give me the argument that “it’s a girls choice to wear it and they don’t have to” because due to expectations of men and being asked “are you feeling okay” when you don’t have make-up on, it’s kind of a necessity.

7. Getting pregnant

It is a constant fear. Guys will never understand the fear of having to pee on a stick that will determine the rest of your life. And, even though having a baby is an incredible thing, it’s excruciatingly painful.

8. Body image.

Women are expected to conform to a particular body shape that is unrealistic and impractical.

9. Bras.

Another purchase women have to make that is outrageously expensive, and also really uncomfortable.

10. Walking at night is scary.

As much as we try to avoid walking alone at night, sometimes its unavoidable, and when it happens it's scary.

11. Being called a tease or slut.

Let’s be clear on something: I don’t owe you anything. Men are so quick to toss the word tease out but it's completely out of context. If a woman changes her mind that is her prerogative, it does not make her a tease. On the other spectrum, men calling women sluts is such a double standard. If men sleep with a lot of women, they’re considered cool but if a women sleeps with a lot of men, she’s a slut. It’s ridiculous.

12. Sexual harassment.

A common occurrence for women just walking down the street is an abundance of sexual glares, dirty and unwanted comments, and catcalling. I don’t understand why men think women would be interested in their sexist and rude remarks or why they would enjoy being whistled at, were not dogs we’re women.