Honestly, the phrase sounds simple, maybe even a little cliché at first glance. But lately, "i love being a woman" has transformed from a Hallmark card sentiment into a massive, multi-faceted cultural movement that's taking over feeds and dinner table conversations alike. It's not just about aesthetics. It’s a messy, beautiful, complicated reclamation of identity in a world that often feels like it's trying to box us in.
We’ve moved past the "girlboss" era of the 2010s. Remember that? The sharp blazers, the constant hustle, the pressure to act like a man in a boardroom just to be taken seriously? Yeah, we're over it. Today, loving womanhood looks a lot more like "soft life," radical empathy, and finding power in the things we were once told were weaknesses.
The Biology and the Magic
There’s this specific, grounded reality to the female experience that is hard to put into words until you’re in it. It’s the way our bodies move through cycles. Researchers like Dr. Stacy Sims, a global expert in female physiology, have spent years proving that women aren't just "small men." Our hormones—estrogen and progesterone—dictate how we recover from exercise, how we process stress, and even how we think.
Understanding the infradian rhythm (that 28-day cycle) has changed the game. Instead of fighting against our bodies, there's a growing trend of "cycle syncing." It's basically the idea that you shouldn't be crushing a HIIT workout or a high-stakes presentation when your body is screaming for rest during your luteal phase. When people say they love being a woman, they’re often talking about this newfound harmony with their own biology. It’s like discovering a secret manual for a machine you’ve been operating blindly for decades.
It's also about the sensory stuff. The smell of a specific perfume, the way silk feels, or the ritual of a ten-step skincare routine that is less about vanity and more about a quiet moment of prayer to yourself before the world starts screaming for your attention.
Emotional Intelligence as a Superpower
For a long time, being "emotional" was used as an insult. It was a way to keep women out of leadership roles. But look at the data. The World Economic Forum has repeatedly listed emotional intelligence (EQ) as one of the top skills needed for the future of work.
Guess who usually scores higher on EQ?
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Women.
The ability to read a room, to feel the unspoken tension in a meeting, and to lead with empathy isn't a "soft skill." It's a high-level tactical advantage. We’re seeing a shift where the traits traditionally associated with womanhood—nurturing, collaboration, multitasking—are becoming the most valued assets in the global economy.
I love being a woman because I can walk into a room and instantly connect with a stranger over a shared compliment or a mutual understanding. There is a "girlhood" bond that persists well into adulthood. You see it in the bathroom of a crowded bar where total strangers are fixing each other's hair or offering life advice. That communal safety net is unique. It’s powerful. It’s something men often admit they’re jealous of.
The "Girlhood" Aesthetic and Why It Matters
You’ve probably seen the "coquette" bows, the "strawberry girl" makeup, and the "Roman Empire" memes. On the surface, it looks like just another TikTok trend. But dig deeper. This is a generation of women reclaiming the "girly" things they were told to outgrow.
In the 90s and early 2000s, "not like other girls" was the ultimate compliment. To be cool, you had to hate pink and love sports and hang out with the guys. Now? We realized that was just internalized misogyny.
Loving being a woman means realizing that liking "feminine" things doesn't make you less intelligent. You can be a literal rocket scientist at NASA and still love a pink glittery manicure. The two are not mutually exclusive. This shift is liberating because it removes the "performance" of being "one of the boys." We’re finally allowed to be ourselves.
Small Joys of the Female Experience
- The collective sigh of relief when the bra comes off at 6 PM.
- That specific "girl dinner" which consists of a pickle, some cheese, and three crackers, and it’s the best meal you’ve ever had.
- The way we can communicate an entire paragraph of information with just a single look across a table.
- Friendships that feel like soulmates.
- The inherent resilience of the female spirit—historical figures like Malala Yousafzai or Maya Angelou remind us that womanhood is often forged in fire.
Navigating the Hard Parts
Let’s be real. It isn't always sunshine and floral dresses.
The gender pay gap still exists. In the United States, women still earn roughly 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, according to Pew Research Center. The "motherhood penalty" is real. The medical gaslighting of women—especially Black women—is a documented systemic failure.
So, how can we say we love being women when the deck is often stacked against us?
Because the love comes from the resistance. It comes from the community we build to navigate these obstacles. There is a specific kind of humor that only women have—a dark, witty, resilient humor that gets us through the hard stuff. We love being women because we are the ones who show up. We are the ones who keep the world turning, often without thanks, but with a quiet strength that is undeniable.
The Evolution of the "Woman" Label
The definition of what it means to be a woman is expanding. It’s more inclusive than it’s ever been. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a CEO, a trans woman finding her voice, or someone who chooses never to have children—the "i love being a woman" sentiment belongs to everyone who identifies with the journey.
It's about the freedom to choose your own adventure.
In the past, there was one path. Now? There are thousands. You can be "trad" or you can be "radical." You can be both. The beauty is in the nuance. We are no longer a monolith.
How to Lean Into This Energy
If you're feeling disconnected or like you're struggling with the weight of expectations, there are ways to reclaim that "love" for your identity. It starts with rejecting the "male gaze"—doing things for yourself rather than for how they make you look to men.
- Audit your consumption. Are the creators you follow making you feel good about being a woman, or are they making you feel like you need to "fix" yourself?
- Find your coven. Whether it’s a book club, a gym group, or just a group chat, lean into female friendships. They are the bedrock of a happy life.
- Listen to your body. Stop trying to force a 24-hour male-centric schedule on a body that works on a 28-day cycle.
- Celebrate the "frivolous." If you love flowers, buy the flowers. If you love fashion, wear the weird outfit. Stop apologizing for taking up space and enjoying things.
Practical Steps for Daily Empowerment
Transitioning from "surviving" womanhood to "loving" it requires a mindset shift. It’s about active participation in your own life.
Stop "holding it in" during meetings if you have an idea. Research by HBR shows that women are interrupted significantly more than men. Practice the "broken record" technique—simply repeat your point calmly until it is heard.
Invest in your financial literacy. Knowledge is the ultimate form of protection. Whether it's through platforms like Ellevest (which focuses on the specific financial hurdles women face) or just reading a basic investing book, taking control of your money is a feminist act.
Finally, mentor someone. There is no better way to appreciate the journey of being a woman than by helping a younger woman navigate the path you've already walked. The "each one, teach one" philosophy is what has kept us moving forward for generations.
Loving being a woman isn't about perfection. It’s about the raw, authentic, and often chaotic experience of moving through the world with a heart that’s been conditioned to care and a mind that’s been trained to survive. It’s a pretty incredible thing to be.
Actionable Insights for Embracing Womanhood Today:
- Track Your Cycle Beyond Just Your Period: Use apps like Clue or Stardust to track your energy levels and mood. You’ll start to see patterns that allow you to plan your life around your natural strengths.
- Curate Your Space: Fill your physical and digital environments with images and voices that celebrate diverse female experiences.
- Practice Radical Boundaries: Saying "no" without an explanation is a vital skill. It preserves your energy for the things that actually matter.
- Support Female-Owned Businesses: Put your money where your values are. Research local women-led initiatives or brands and make them your first choice.
- Document Your Joy: Keep a "joy journal" specifically for moments where you felt proud or happy to be a woman. It’s an easy way to rewire your brain to focus on the positives of the experience.