Femininity has many sides and angles though it's been known to encompass various cultural and social aspects, as well as individual behaviors and traits.
The acceptable general definition refers to it as qualities and behaviors that society associates with femininity, such as nurturing, compassion, sensitivity, and grace. However, these stereotypical notions of femininity are constantly evolving and being challenged by feminist movements and gender equality advocates.
Today, in this 21st century, femininity can be expressed in many different ways, and women are encouraged to embrace their own unique expression of femininity, whether it's through fashion, career choices, or personal interests. Moreover, femininity is not restricted to women, as men can also exhibit traits traditionally associated with femininity, such as empathy and creativity.
I've heard of certain dress codes that were socially acceptable for females to wear back in the earlier centuries to be considered feminine. I've even heard stories of men that think women should dress a certain type of way and are not allowed to put on some accessories that are considered masculine. I don't even want to talk about men that they were said sign off in outfits that were feminine enough for their partners before getting dressed. Ridiculous right? Thank God for better times.
Once upon a time, men who showed emotions were described as weak and spineless, it's often believed that men shouldn't cry or express emotions because they are the superior gender and it was feminine to express emotions. They were just supposed to bottle it all up to prove that they were masculine.
Most men and women even have committed unthinkable acts of brutality when the emotions they are bottling up escapes it's prison in their minds and breaks into the surface.
Almost all violent acts that emanated as a result of passion or emotions could have been avoided if only the concerned party had wailed, ranted, seen a therapist or spoken to a friend rather than bottling it all up and losing control when the person can't keep it bottled anymore.
Times have changed now, and men are now getting encouraged to speak out and express their minds which for me means expressing the femininity in them.
Almost every human on earth has emotions and since expressing oneself has been associated with femininity, I guess it's safe to say femininity is a way of expressing yourself through whatever means of emotion you can, gender or not.
The debate is still on everyday about what femininity actually means, but from my own perspective, it's a somewhat difficult and ever changing concept that defies easy definition. It is up to each individual to determine how they want to express their femininity, and how they want to push back against societal expectations and limitations.
I'm fairly certain that my ideas of femininity is going to be different from another person's idea, it's okay to disagree, but I think we can all agree that femininity and emotions work hand in hand.
As long as you experience feelings and emotions that are better off being released, I say that's exactly what femininity is, it doesn't matter if you are a man or woman, everyone has a piece of femininity in them if only they would just let it out.
That being said, the only thing constant is change and there's no telling if femininity is going to have another meaning later on. We are human beings after all and change is the only constant thing in life.
