"Bossy" Girls

[DZoolander]

It's weird how that word seems to only be used for girls.

Like, yesterday my daughter's cousin came over, and they weren't getting along so we cut the visit short. As the aunt was leaving she was talking to their dad on the phone about how the visit didn't work out.

"Yeah, they weren't getting along. She was being bossy and he was being a jerk."

Well, to be fair, I was there the entire time. The only reason why she was being "bossy" was because *staff edit* she was standing up for herself and telling him to knock it off.

To that end - I've got no problems with having a "bossy" girl.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

It's weird how that word seems to only be used for girls.

Like, yesterday my daughter's cousin came over, and they weren't getting along so we cut the visit short. As the aunt was leaving she was talking to their dad on the phone about how the visit didn't work out.

"Yeah, they weren't getting along. She was being bossy and he was being a jerk."

Well, to be fair, I was there the entire time. The only reason why she was being "bossy" was because he was being a douche and she was standing up for herself and telling him to knock it off.

To that end - I've got no problems with having a "bossy" girl.

I'm thinking the "bossy" girl phenomenon is an expression of the natural tendency for feminine nurturing to kick into overdrive.........................................I say this because I married one of those kind of gals and she is very much this way; let's just say I feel very, very nurtured. She even has a coffee mug that says "Mrs. Always Right!" And the funny thing is, I didn't buy it for her.

 

[DZoolander]

Probably true - I married one of those girls too - and I feel very "nurtured" as well. lol

 

[2PhiloVoid]

It's weird how that word seems to only be used for girls.

Like, yesterday my daughter's cousin came over, and they weren't getting along so we cut the visit short. As the aunt was leaving she was talking to their dad on the phone about how the visit didn't work out.

"Yeah, they weren't getting along. She was being bossy and he was being a jerk."

Well, to be fair, I was there the entire time. The only reason why she was being "bossy" was because he was being a douche and she was standing up for herself and telling him to knock it off.

To that end - I've got no problems with having a "bossy" girl.

Actually, when I was a teenager, I was often bullied (...more like slammed into a wall and choked) by one of my cousins and I can understand what that feels like. So, if your daughter has the fortitude to stand up to being bullied by "whomever," even a male cousin, then power to her for having stood for her own personal welfare when being unfairly treated.

 

[snoochface]

There was a movement a couple of years ago to ban the word "bossy" from being applied to girls. It is apparently offensive because it would not be applied to boys in the same situations because it's okay for boys to act that way but not girls. I personally don't give a crap. I was a bossy girl growing up, and I think bossy girls are pretty badass - if that's what it takes to stand up for themselves and not be taken advantage of, so be it, I'm glad they can handle themselves.

 

[DZoolander]

Exactly!

 

[Odetta]

And yet the phrase "Like a boss!" has such positive connotations. I just asked my husband if he thought I was bossy. He said I used to be, but apparently I've mellowed. Whatever. I guess he doesn't notice it so much because I channel it into fighting for my kids needs (special needs kids).

 

[mkgal1]

I just read this and thought of this thread (and it's along the line of what Odetta posted):

"All a "bossy" girl or "aggressive" woman needs is to swap one of their X chromosomes for a Y and - presto! - they become leaders."-Tim Fall (blogger).​