Don't Be That Type of Girl

I've been working in restaurants for over five years and I know embarrassingly little about front of house operations. It's not an issue since it doesn't normally impact my duties, but I can't help but be curious about some FOH stuff. It's like they work an entirely different profession, strolling in mid-afternoon when I'm wrapping things up, all shiny shoes and makeup while I'm covered in flour. There's one woman in particular who I'd like to ask where she gets those cute shoes and statement necklaces. She's always in flowy tops and chunky booties, her casual work attire probably more expensive than my Sunday best, and since hospitality doesn't pay well, I'm curious what coupon codes or sly bargains she's able to snag. 

I'd like to ask her but I don't; she's one of those women. 

The type of women who prefer to talk to men and generally ignore all other females. We all know someone like this, whether it's a colleague or a friend-of-a-friend or a roommate from college you didn't get along with because she was always ignoring you and flirting with your boyfriend. You know the type.

I'm not certain this colleague is for sure this type of women; maybe I'm wrong. I can only assume from the behavior I see every time she comes into the kitchen, usually walking right by me and the female prep cook, only to stop and chat with the male line cooks. Insert eye roll here.

Maybe I'm just being sensitive. I recently read Not That Bad by Roxane Gay and am on a super female-empowerment kick. I've always considered myself a feminist, but every now and then I read a book or article that reminds me how proud I am to be a girl. Something that society and media and culture constantly tries to make me feel bad about, but I refuse to take the bait. 

Not That Bad is a series of essays confronting the rape culture of our world. You might think that's pretty much the opposite of female-empowerment, but read just one of those survivors stories and tell me you're not convinced. It was a hard read, but it was also an amazing one, to be reminded of how strong and brave and badass we women are. I just got another one of Gay's books, Bad Feminist, out of the library and am continuing to ride this girl power wave.

Women who rebuff other women in lieu of men aren't the type of women I want in my life, anyway. Women who use that tired shtick, "men are less drama" need to re-evaluate their choices; you're not in high school anymore or on a Bravo TV show, why is there so much drama in your life? Girl, get it together. And then stop snubbing other women. You think a guy is going to lend you a tampon when you get your period early, or listen when you need to vent about your boo? Please. 

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