When I was nine, I came home from school crying about being the biggest girl in class. When I was eight, a male student pulled my glasses from my face, snapped them in half, and called me ugly. When I was seven, another male student punched me in the stomach during recess and called me fat. 

In middle school, I was bullied for “developing early.” Students made fun of me for having acne, growing boobs and becoming more curvy. In high school, I was called fat, ugly and a prude. Not to mention the homophobic comments. 

As an adult, I get disgusting looks from men because my outfit is a little revealing. In that same outfit, I will get hateful looks and orders to “cover up” from women. 

When I turned 19, I told my mom that I was scared to be an adult because I no longer had the “I’m a minor” excuse. 

As a woman, I must live up to both the standards of men and of women. However, those standards are constantly changing. One day, I can be told to be quiet and to keep my opinions to myself. On the same day, I can be told to let the world hear what I have to say because my opinion matters too. 

It is impossible to live up to the standards of the world. So why live up to them at all? 

Though it is difficult to go against the status quo, it is still possible. Ever since I’ve learned to stop caring about what people think, my life has been so much better. 

Now, would I much rather sit in my dorm room, eating ice cream and sobbing my heart out to the sound of Harry Styles’ beautiful voice? Of course, I would. But there is a point in life where one must grow up and learn that there will always be rude people. And people will always have some sort of issue with you. 

It’s harsh, but it’s also the truth. 

I have never gone through a week without hearing someone make a rude comment about me. That’s just life. Not everyone will like you, but not everyone will hate you either. 

You should not live your life following the standards of other people. You should live your life with your own standards. 

The people being rude to you are not the ones living your life. You are. So, do what makes you happy and what makes you the most proud of yourself. Ignore the bad thoughts and let the good ones through.