This Is How I Stayed Alive

tw: sexual assault and disassociation. read if you want, skip if you need.

Girls are taught to be nice. To smile even when they’re uncomfortable. To make room for other people, especially boys. To be understanding. To be flattered by attention, even when it makes their stomach twist. We teach them not to interrupt, not to yell, not to cry too loudly. We say things like “he’s only mean because he likes you,” as if affection and…