The indignity of being born a woman

Pass me the Valium

The default for ambitious good-looking women is to transfer their ambitions onto successful men. You take care of your desirability, and he takes care of your status anxiety.

If you opt out, you are on your own. There is scarce blueprint for hungry women. No manual for hunting, just instinct. House of Cards final season? The failed real-life version of Hilary? The Iron Lady? The hot Finish lady? THE KIWI LADY? Slim pickings.

God’s cruelty is not that he made women physically vulnerable, but that he didn’t make us all submissive.

When I was 5 we put up a school play. It was decided that the boys would be lions and the girls would be fairies. I stepped my foot and demanded to be handed a tail and claws. When I saw the dresses and wings and wands, I was jealous. But, not for the last time in this life, I kneeled on all fours and crawled. Just to prove a point.

At 7 mom took me shopping. She asked if I wanted the pleated skirt, I said no, to a clothing item I have since and always loved. I pointed to the ugly gilet in the boy section. I wore the itchy fabric and never complained.

At 9 a boy in class screamed that girls are the weaker gender. I told him he was half my size. He probably still is.

Any wild guesses what the equivalents are now I am 30?

It’s ok if they break your heart if you remember you can break their bones.

Not because you are stronger.

But because. You. Don’t. Flinch.

It doesn’t matter how tall a guy is.

I am always taller.