The "Super" epidemic.

"I'm not your superwoman. Oh no, oh no, oh no. I'm not the kind of girl that you can let down and think that everything is ok. Boy, I am only human"--Karen White, Superwoman

I realized today that many women suffer from the "S" on their chest epidemic. I was speaking to a colleague about women, men, and child support. This topic of conversation came up because a  woman did not want to put her baby's daddy on child support. The concept simply baffled me. There are valid reasons why a woman should not put a man on child support, but none of those reasons include "I'm independent; I don't need him, I'm superwoman." 

On the contrary, women do need men. Last time I took a biology class, I believe it took one sperm and one egg to make a zygote (which I hope is the correct term for a baby). And since only women carry eggs, there is a need for the opposite sex. If it takes two to make a baby, it takes two to raise a baby. So if you cannot have the man's presence, you should at least have his money!  

I want women to let go of this SUPERWOMAN mantra. You know why? It's exhausting! There is no way one woman can be everything to everybody all the time. I know the topic was about child support but this is also for the women who want to be the good wife, the good mother, the career woman, the best friend, and/ or the best athlete. Sometimes we just are not going to meet every standard we have for ourselves. And that's okay, you're human. Give yourself permission to relax, take a break, breathe in the pine. It's okay to say no.

Being able to say no is the first sign of being a true "S" wearing woman. That means that you are in a place where you know and recognize your strengths and weaknesses. You know the people who love and care about you aren't going to love you any less because Pizza Hut delivered dinner, and Publix made the cupcakes for your son's class birthday party so you could stay at work late to prepare for the MAC presentation. You know that asking Sara's dad for help paying next month's school tuition doesn't make you any less independent. It makes you a planner because you already foresaw  that there was going to be a shortage. Don't stop sporting the "S" on your chest, just let it stand for something like Sexy, Smart, or Stylish!