I don't normally like generalizations about gender.

You know, statements like, "Most women are ..." and "Men tend to be like ..."

But when a researcher has actual data to back up generalizations, I tend to take notice.

Brene Brown has made a name for herself in both pop culture and academia with her research on shame.

She says this about gender and shame:

"Shame for women is this web of unattainable, conflicting, competing expectations about who we are supposed to be.

Shame for men is not a bunch of competing, conflicting expectations. Shame is one: do not be perceived as weak."

Brene Brown

Does this ring true for you?

I am so curious.

As a woman, the imagery of a "web of unattainable, conflicting, competing expectations" really resonates with me.

I often feel like a bug trapped in a sticky spider's web. The more I struggle to break free, the more stuck I feel.

Shame loves to whisper to me during this struggle - "See. You can never meet all these expectations. Why even try? Your acquaintance on Instagram can meet them, though. Must be something inherently wrong with you."

I am learning to recognize and ignore shame's dark half-truths.

I wonder what shame whispers in your ear.

Anyone have the courage to share?