This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
As a woman in the dating world, it's not uncommon to feel like you're walking on eggshells, unsure of how to navigate the complexities of a new relationship.
But what happens when we pretend to be someone we're not, fearing rejection or judgment? How long can we keep up this charade before being true to ourselves?
For many women, the pressure to conform to societal expectations can be overwhelming. We may feel like we need to put on a mask, hiding our true selves behind a façade of perfection.
But what's the cost of this charade? Do we risk losing ourselves in the process of trying to please others?
One woman shared her own experience of feeling like she was 'suffering constipation' in her boyfriend's house, too afraid to use the washroom unless he was out. She would announce her intentions, saying 'Let me go and pee,' just to reassure him that she wasn't going for anything more.
Another woman recalled a date where she was so full from eating before they even sat down that she had to pinch the ugali and say 'Baby, I'm full.' But as the date dragged on, she found herself eating more and more, feeling like she was in a never-ending cycle of hunger and guilt.
These stories highlight the absurdity of the dating world, where women feel pressured to pretend to be someone they're not. But what's the point of all this pretending? Is it worth risking our own happiness and well-being?
As one woman so aptly put it, 'Love is such a weird thing, you never know what direction it will take when dealing with a new lover.' So why not be true to ourselves, and let our true selves shine through?
Published on May 12, 2020
