10 Insecurities Women Are Sold to Meet Men’s Expectations
Riya Kumari | Jan 29, 2025, 00:39 IST
You don’t need to fit into these tiny boxes of expectations. Your body, your face, your skin, your hair—they’re all part of who you are. And that’s more than enough. So, the next time someone tries to tell you what’s “wrong” with you, just remember: they’re just spitting out someone else’s idea of “perfect.” The only perfect thing about you is that you’re unapologetically, beautifully, and wonderfully you.
Let’s face it, the beauty standards women are expected to meet in India are both overwhelming and absurd. It’s like we’ve been handed a script that’s a mix of outdated expectations, odd fetishes, and pure nonsense. But here’s the thing: none of this should make you feel less than fabulous. So, let’s break down these so-called “rules” that society loves to throw at women—and why you shouldn’t buy into them.
1. Fair Skin Equals More Attractive?
Oh, the age-old myth that fair skin somehow equals automatic attractiveness. Apparently, if you’re fair, you don’t need to try hard. Compliments flow easily, and somehow you’re naturally pretty. And if you’re not? Well, then let’s get you a whitening cream, serum, or a good old-fashioned bleaching procedure. But here’s the truth: your worth isn’t defined by how light or dark your skin is. If you’re fair, great! If you’re not, also great. Beauty isn’t about conforming to someone’s idea of perfection—it’s about owning what you’ve got.
2. Body Hair is a No-Go
So apparently, having body hair is a crime. Armpits, legs, arms, or even facial hair? It's a straight shot to "masculine" territory, and we definitely can’t have that. Well, here's the reality: body hair is part of being human. If you choose to remove it, awesome. If not, that’s equally awesome. Your body, your rules. Don’t let anyone shame you for doing what’s comfortable for you.
3. A Woman’s Body as a Canvas
Let’s talk about the weird and wonderful world of fetishes. Society often fetishizes women’s bodies—pushing unrealistic ideals like the hourglass figure, waist belts, and the “perfect” body shape. And guess what? Women go to the gym and go on restrictive diets just to cater to this. Newsflash: Your body isn’t some sculpture to be molded to meet the preferences of anyone. It’s yours. Own it. You’re not here to fulfill someone’s fantasy.
4. Dark Circles: The Mortal Sin
Apparently, dark circles are some sort of grave flaw that makes you less angelic in the eyes of men. The truth? Dark circles mean you’re living a life—working hard, staying up late, dealing with the ups and downs. You’re allowed to look tired, just as you’re allowed to look rested. Your worth isn’t determined by the state of your under-eye area.
5. Aging: A Man’s Disgust, A Woman’s Fate
We live in a world where aging is a man's mark of wisdom and distinction, while a woman's aging face is supposedly “unacceptable” or “disgusting.” Ever heard someone say, "Oh, a man is distinguished by his age"? Well, don’t hold your breath for that compliment for women. But here's the thing: aging is beautiful. Your wrinkles tell the story of laughter, experience, and survival. Don’t let anyone make you feel less because of the passage of time.
6. Dark Spots & Products Galore
From hyperpigmentation on your inner thighs, underarms, to around your neck—there’s an entire industry built around “correcting” these “imperfections.” Don’t fall for it. These products promise “even skin tone” and “whitening,” but the truth is: your skin’s natural color is perfect. Embrace it. There’s no need to chase someone else’s definition of flawless.
7. Stretch Marks: The Unacceptable Imperfection
Stretch marks? God forbid! Apparently, you’re supposed to rid yourself of them, even if you can’t. It’s as though they’re some sort of physical crime. But the reality is that stretch marks are part of life—growth, change, pregnancy, or just your body doing what it does. They’re a sign of strength, not a flaw to hide. Own them, because they tell your story.
8. The Scent You’re Supposed to Have
Oh, and don’t forget: you’re supposed to smell like a bakery. Think Oreo cookies and vanilla. But your natural scent? That’s just you. It’s normal. It’s human. You don’t need to smell like anything you haven’t been born with. Stop buying into the hype that you need to smell like a commercial product to be acceptable.
9. Pinkness & Porn Culture: Ruining Realities
Thanks to the porn industry, there’s this bizarre obsession with everything being pink—because, apparently, that’s the epitome of femininity. Spoiler alert: pink is not the universal standard for beauty or femininity. You don’t need to look like a sexed-up cartoon to be considered attractive or feminine. Real women come in all shapes, colors, and smells—and they’re all equally beautiful.
10. The "Salon-Ready" Hair Myth
Okay, let’s talk hair. The expectation that women should wake up with salon-ready hair every day is one of the most ridiculous standards. Not all of us wake up with luscious, bouncy curls or perfectly straight strands. Sometimes it’s frizzy, sometimes it’s limp, and sometimes it’s just not cooperating. But guess what? That’s okay. Your hair is fine, real hair—and it's already beautiful just as it is.
1. Fair Skin Equals More Attractive?
Fair skin
Oh, the age-old myth that fair skin somehow equals automatic attractiveness. Apparently, if you’re fair, you don’t need to try hard. Compliments flow easily, and somehow you’re naturally pretty. And if you’re not? Well, then let’s get you a whitening cream, serum, or a good old-fashioned bleaching procedure. But here’s the truth: your worth isn’t defined by how light or dark your skin is. If you’re fair, great! If you’re not, also great. Beauty isn’t about conforming to someone’s idea of perfection—it’s about owning what you’ve got.
2. Body Hair is a No-Go
Wax
So apparently, having body hair is a crime. Armpits, legs, arms, or even facial hair? It's a straight shot to "masculine" territory, and we definitely can’t have that. Well, here's the reality: body hair is part of being human. If you choose to remove it, awesome. If not, that’s equally awesome. Your body, your rules. Don’t let anyone shame you for doing what’s comfortable for you.
3. A Woman’s Body as a Canvas
Waist
Let’s talk about the weird and wonderful world of fetishes. Society often fetishizes women’s bodies—pushing unrealistic ideals like the hourglass figure, waist belts, and the “perfect” body shape. And guess what? Women go to the gym and go on restrictive diets just to cater to this. Newsflash: Your body isn’t some sculpture to be molded to meet the preferences of anyone. It’s yours. Own it. You’re not here to fulfill someone’s fantasy.
4. Dark Circles: The Mortal Sin
Eye mask
Apparently, dark circles are some sort of grave flaw that makes you less angelic in the eyes of men. The truth? Dark circles mean you’re living a life—working hard, staying up late, dealing with the ups and downs. You’re allowed to look tired, just as you’re allowed to look rested. Your worth isn’t determined by the state of your under-eye area.
5. Aging: A Man’s Disgust, A Woman’s Fate
Wrinkles
We live in a world where aging is a man's mark of wisdom and distinction, while a woman's aging face is supposedly “unacceptable” or “disgusting.” Ever heard someone say, "Oh, a man is distinguished by his age"? Well, don’t hold your breath for that compliment for women. But here's the thing: aging is beautiful. Your wrinkles tell the story of laughter, experience, and survival. Don’t let anyone make you feel less because of the passage of time.
6. Dark Spots & Products Galore
Dark spots
From hyperpigmentation on your inner thighs, underarms, to around your neck—there’s an entire industry built around “correcting” these “imperfections.” Don’t fall for it. These products promise “even skin tone” and “whitening,” but the truth is: your skin’s natural color is perfect. Embrace it. There’s no need to chase someone else’s definition of flawless.
7. Stretch Marks: The Unacceptable Imperfection
Body lotion
Stretch marks? God forbid! Apparently, you’re supposed to rid yourself of them, even if you can’t. It’s as though they’re some sort of physical crime. But the reality is that stretch marks are part of life—growth, change, pregnancy, or just your body doing what it does. They’re a sign of strength, not a flaw to hide. Own them, because they tell your story.
8. The Scent You’re Supposed to Have
Perfume
Oh, and don’t forget: you’re supposed to smell like a bakery. Think Oreo cookies and vanilla. But your natural scent? That’s just you. It’s normal. It’s human. You don’t need to smell like anything you haven’t been born with. Stop buying into the hype that you need to smell like a commercial product to be acceptable.
9. Pinkness & Porn Culture: Ruining Realities
Pink rose
Thanks to the porn industry, there’s this bizarre obsession with everything being pink—because, apparently, that’s the epitome of femininity. Spoiler alert: pink is not the universal standard for beauty or femininity. You don’t need to look like a sexed-up cartoon to be considered attractive or feminine. Real women come in all shapes, colors, and smells—and they’re all equally beautiful.
10. The "Salon-Ready" Hair Myth
Hair salon
Okay, let’s talk hair. The expectation that women should wake up with salon-ready hair every day is one of the most ridiculous standards. Not all of us wake up with luscious, bouncy curls or perfectly straight strands. Sometimes it’s frizzy, sometimes it’s limp, and sometimes it’s just not cooperating. But guess what? That’s okay. Your hair is fine, real hair—and it's already beautiful just as it is.