Here Are 30 Things Women Feel Guilty About But Shouldn't

Women feel guilty about things more frequently than men as per studies. However, it is more of social conditioning than a physiological difference. Guilt is even about self-care and more importantly, putting themselves first. Here are 30 things women feel guilty about but really shouldn't.

According to a study conducted by researchers in Spain, women generally feel guilt more intensely than men, especially middle-aged women. The research further revealed that women are socially conditioned by various factors in society as they feel 'habitual guilt'.

Dr Sonali Gupta, a clinical psychologist also mentioned, "While women are perceived to be care-takers, men are conditioned around being providers. A man’s self-worth is in the context of his job and although women have joined the workforce, her identity continues to be defined by the roles she plays in the family."

Another expert mentions that in order to fix such conditions, one needs to unlearn the faulty habits and expectations from them. In order to unlearn the unrealistic expectations from women, the expert said, "Women need to revisit these expectations of themselves. A lot of them are irrational because they are not realistically possible. You cannot do everything. There are only 24 hours in a day, set realistic expectations from yourself."

Here are 30 things women feel guilty about and need to unlearn the social conditioning which makes them cater to the unrealistic expectations:

1. Eating as they please.
2. Walking at night.
3. Having male friends.
4. Being financially and emotionally independent.
5. Being financially better than their male partner.
6. Prioritising self-care.
7. Prioritising career.
8. Putting their emotional needs forward.
9. Putting their physical needs forward.
10. Being vocal about their struggles and needs.
11. Being fat/skinny/dark-skinned/tall/short.
12. Eating too much or too little.
13. Not being the "ideal" version of woman for the society to idolise.
14. Not maintaining the house at ALL times.
15. Expressing what they feel.
16. Being single/married/in a relationship/in a complicated relationship.
17. Telling NO when they don't want to do something.
18. Not being perfect and making mistakes like a human being.
19. Turning down dates.
20. Wanting/not wanting children.
21. Wearing makeup.
22. Wearing short clothes.
23. Standing up against the wrongful.
24. Holding a strong opinion.
25. Being competitive and ambitious.
26. Marrying someone older or younger.
27. Having casual relationships.
28. Being the one to end a relationship.
29. Calling out people who do not respect them.
30. For being a woman.

Suggested Reading: Why Is Housework Considered The Essence of Being A Woman?