In my work, I often face a dismissive attitude simply because I am a woman. There have been moments when I had to become stricter and colder just to ensure my comments were taken seriously. On what I once heard, “You need to be softer and smile more. A man can be strict, but a woman must radiate joy.” Another time, someone asked me why I was attending a business event. “Is it for the beauty?” It was not really a question; it was an assumption, as before we hadn't even spoken. Also, I remember a time when I was asked about my job responsibilities on what I heard “Wow, you sound smart, not like other women.” And so on, and so on.
When you constantly face double standards, when professionalism is mixed with subtle undertones and quiet tests of how far someone can push you, you build armor. And then they ask why you are not smiling.
When you constantly face double standards, when professionalism is mixed with subtle undertones and quiet tests of how far someone can push you, you build armor. And then they ask why you are not smiling.