Dear All, There seems to be a prevalent but gravely misunderstood mindset that breads the notion a woman needs a man to simplify her life, to piece together her complexities, that a she is incapable of fulfilling any endeavor without a masculine hand in the game. I'm here to obliterate those preconceived notion with the truth.Our social norms have had a long-standing tradition of delineating roles; men are pegged as the stalwart protectors and providers, whilst women shoulder the role of caretakers. To this, I say, it's a basic load of horse crap! I have the privilege to acquaint myself with power-women who outdo the men by their side. In the face of adversity, these women shine through as a beacon and act as a testament to strength and resilience. Single mothers are juggling the roles of both parents and are doing an exemplary job at it. It boils my blood to witness such closed-minded assumptions persist that a woman needs a man, like we are incomplete without them. This could not be further from the truth. We are not seeking companionship out of necessity but rather out of choice. To the bold women out there, stand tall and confident. You are the architects of your life, capable enough to construct it precisely the way you want it. This isn't a call to shun men entirely and cultivate a vehement aversion for relationships. Learn to balance the scales. Be in a relationship while cherishing your hard-earned independence. Staying subservient and relinquishing control is not equivalent to a successful relationship. There are a plethora of men out there who respect women and their freedom. Any semblance of perceived control is not an expression of love, rather it's a constraint. Love shouldn't be a game of 20 questions, shadowed with suspicion and mistrust. It's about support, trust, inspiration, and motivation. Yes, I'm a woman who values her independence and am fully capable of navigating my life solo. Yet, I choose to let a man be an integral part of my life, not out of desperation, but out of desire. Under no circumstances will I allow myself to be stifled in an unsatisfactory relationship merely due to lack of choices. I won't act out of helplessness and choose a distasteful life with a man I don't need. Rather, when I choose to love, my man will stand next to me, as an equal, a partner, not a crutch. Furthermore, love isn't about living in the shadows or cleaning up after each other. It's a mutual agreement, a give and take. It's about support when support is necessary. With me, don't expect to be the savior and sole contributor. I'm not here to ride on your coattails or reap the benefits without any effort. In this relationship, effort is a two-way street. There's no need for Prince Charming to rescue me. I'm not another damsel in distress who'll sit around, waiting to be saved. Instead, I'm in search of an equal. I want early morning discussions, late-night comfort, strength in times of adversity. I desire a companion, not a facilitator. I don't want my problems to be solved but shared. In my endeavor, I seek not a hero but a partner who shares my ambition and dreams, someone who won't belittle me, but motivate me to strive better. Let's walk the path of life equally, build a future together not marred by insecurities or dominance, but filled with mutual respect and love. Yours faithfully, Ashley
