Have you seen that hardened matriarch, the female boss, or a single woman whom we address by different derogatory names? They are generally seen as mood spoilers or wet blankets on others’ enthusiasm.
What makes them whatever they are today?
Maybe this figure was an enthusiastic woman at some stage, brimming with ideas and wanting to self-actualize on a fair platform. However, she was compelled to revise her strategies due to the lack of a level playing field.
Her experience hardens her; unfortunately, she turns malicious towards her younger counterparts. Why should they have whatever she failed to achieve?
The patriarchy or a power lobby moulds some to act tough, and they earn their rewards by toeing the line.
We heard this frequently during the #MeToo campaign. When a younger woman complained of sexual harassment, a senior woman said. “How come he (the accused) has never misbehaved with me? Were you egging him on in some way?”
Did they feel less attractive because a dysfunctional male did not maul them? Or did they want to hush up the matter to gain brownie points with the boss? Undoubtedly, it was unfair to the victim.
We have heard of a mother discouraging a daughter from a divorce by saying that they have suffered much more but were valiant or virtuous enough to stay in a bad marriage.
I think of the enthusiasm, positivity and creativity that has dried up inside them.
We should take the initiative to bring them back into the mainstream, revive the dreams they were compelled to give up and rejuvenate and renew them.
A productive life will keep them from meddling with others’ lives.
P.S.
Whatever I say above applies to men as well.

Very well said and glad you have outspoken things as most of the people avoid talking on important matters e thoughts.
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Thank you so much, Tanvir!
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Very well said, Reena. Your assessment is to the point. I agree,
‘We should take the initiative to bring them back into the mainstream, revive the dreams they were compelled to give up and rejuvenate and renew them.
A productive life will keep them from meddling with others’ lives.’
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Thank you, Indira!
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My pleasure, dear.
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“Her experience hardens her; unfortunately, she turns malicious towards her younger counterparts. Why should they have whatever she failed to achieve?” This is a poignant description, Reena.
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Thank you so much, Nicole!
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Yes! The resentment is a very real thing! I felt that! 💯
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Thank you for resonating with it!
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I feel this everyday. I did the hardwork and yet my books will never be read because I don’t have what the others do. A wonderful story of unfairness, and a beautiful message, well done.
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Finding your tribe gets more and more difficult as we grow old.
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It sure does. Especially these days as more and more of us hide behind a computer.
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True. But we can form online communities or mutual reading clubs.
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For sure, just like our wonderful WordPress community.
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So true, Reena.
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Thank you, Punam!
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Wow and quite right too, Reena!
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Thank you so much, Chris!
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I like your take, Ma’am. Yes, the resentment builds up and sadly there’s no turning back, sometimes. 🙂
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Thank you, Aishwarya!
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I think I know a few of these people- male or female! The resentment they feel towards the society gradually hardens their hearts and make them into the stone-hearted people they become. I agree with your solution too. Thanks for joining in.
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Thank you, Sadje!
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You’re always welcome 🙏🏼
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Well said Reena! 🙂 your spot on!
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Thank you so much, Carol! You made my day.
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