Meg

It’s easy to put your hand over your mouth so you don’t speak… but it’s impossible to put your hand over your heart so you don’t feel.

Because when I was 13 years old, I was sent home for my tank top straps being a little too thin, but a boy could wear a Cool Story babe, Go Make Me A Sandwich shirt and not be looked at twice. Because when I was 17 and I told a guy “No” and the next day the word tease was painted on my locker. Because when I was 18 and just wanted to be friends, I was a bitch. Because I feel the need to say “I have a boyfriend” instead of “No” because guys respect other men more than they would ever respect me. Because society screams “don’t get raped” instead of “don’t rape” Because I am scared to walk alone at 10 PM Because being beautiful is the most important thing I’ll ever do. Because when I wear my favorite skirt “I’m asking for it” Because the song Blurred Lines exists Because no means no no matter how you fucking spin it Because a girl was drugged and raped with a beer bottle, and the boys who did it are out on bail. Because I owe you nothing Because pepper spray is a gift I receive yearly. Because I am asked if I have a boyfriend more than I am asked about my mental health Because my clothes say more about my consent then my mouth does. Because the wage gap exists Because “not all men are like that” is said way too often ENOUGH ARE Because I feel the need to say “I’m not a feminist but…” Because I’m writing this fucking piece

You know that one guy you’ve had a crush on since sixth grade? That one guy that makes your heart skip a beat by only looking at you? That one guy you daydream about in class or before falling asleep? Well one day, when you finally thought you had got over him, you two kiss. He’s drunk, you’re drunk and you both are with someone else. But it doesn’t matter because in that moment that one guy you’ve always liked has told you he has dreamt about kissing you for the entire time you’ve spent together. It doesn’t matter because when he told you there was some kind of connection between you two the old feelings came back. And standing right in front of him, your hands in his, everything seems just right.