18 Things That Don't Make You A "Bad Feminist"

    Having a Pinterest board all about your dream wedding doesn't make you any less of a feminist.

    Natalya Lobanova
    by Natalya Lobanova

    BuzzFeed Staff

    1. Seeing as you're reading this post, you probably identify as a feminist: someone who believes all genders are equal.

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    2. But there are times when every one of us has felt like a "bad feminist".

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    Like you're not fulfilling your duty as a feminist, or not doing it correctly.

    3. Like if you've ever felt sad for being single, even though you damn well know you shouldn't need anyone.

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    There's nothing wrong with wanting companionship. That's just human nature.

    4. If you've ever caught yourself judging another woman for something superficial.

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    We're all guilty of doing it,

    5. If you've ever felt pressure to shave your body hair, even if you really couldn't be bothered and would have much rather left it au naturel.

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    That's okay, societal pressure is hard to ignore. Anyway, you can have however much, or little, hair you want.

    6. Or if you just actually really like removing your body hair, for whatever reason.

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    You're free to do whatever the hell you want to do with your body.

    7. If you've ever dreamt about your wedding, or just really want one.

    8. If you've ever felt bad for actively wanting a marriage and kids to be as much part of your future as your career goals.

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    You're not more or less of a feminist if you want to have a high-powered career and many lovers, or a cabin in the woods by yourself, or kids and a white picket fence.

    9. Or if you want a family more than a high-powered career.

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    A housewife is no less a feminist than a CEO.

    10. If Valentine's Day has some significance for you.

    11. If you enjoy TV shows and aspects of culture that aren't totally ~woke~.

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    If you viewed everything you consumed through a hyper-critical standpoint, there would be very little of culture that you could enjoy.

    12. If you've ever let your date pay for you.

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    Sometimes it's nice to be treated.

    13. If you've ever felt shit about your body, then felt shit that you can't seem to reach a perfect state of ~self-love~.

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    u r beautiful and ur gonna do great today

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    It's literally impossible to actively think you're incredible and beautiful every moment of the day. Just knowing that you're of value and more than your perceived beauty is enough.

    14. If you enjoy putting on makeup/heels/dresses or anything else that is considered a symbol of femininity.

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    Nice things can just be nice things, not necessarily signs of oppression.

    15. If you enjoy doing things that are historically considered "women's work" for your partner, like the laundry or cooking.

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    Obviously it's unfair if you're simply expected to do those things based on your gender, but these are also acts of love and care, as well as just really satisfying activities.

    16. If you don't want to sleep around or have adventurous sex.

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    Feminism is about fighting for your right to have sex however you want (consensually), not just for you to have as much of it as possible. You can have sex with just one person and be a feminist, with none at all, or with more than you can remember. None of that affects your value.

    17. If you've unintentionally said something that is deemed offensive.

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    Literally everyone has said dumb and offensive shit, it takes time to learn about other people's experiences and what can hurt others.

    18. If you don't feel 100% outraged 100% of the time.

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    Everyone has a limit, and outrage is not equal to morality or your dedication to your beliefs. Maybe you just don't really care if your favourite superhero wears heels and a leotard in every movie, even though that's obviously deeply impractical. Of course, this doesn't mean other people aren't allowed to be offended just because you're not, either.