relationships
Trace the link between feminism and relationships from outdated norms to modern conventions including chivalry, working mothers, splitting the bill and beyond.
Where Do Broken Hearts Go?
Little Girl Many people dream of becoming a star one day. Whether that is to become a singer, model, CEO, Astronaut etc., we all have a moment. My moment started when I was just six years old, from the time I could remember I was happy; laughing, smiling, a bright little girl around family and friends. That light dimmed at the touch of my step grandfather. I never told my mom, family, friends, anybody. I sat with that pain for so long, acting out. I was angry, sad. I finally told my mother when I was 13 years old. She took me to the police, counseling... I had to draw out the picture of the things that took place. I remember seeing him standing in the bathroom door saying, “Come get in the shower.” Coming into the room, sitting at my bedside and licking my ear, rubbing my chest. I woke up and didn’t want to get out of bed. He and my grandmother were leaving. As they were walking out, he winked at me and smiled. I was never the same. At the age of 13, I was then again molested by my cousin until the age of 16 or 17. That was very hard for me. I didn’t tell anyone because I didn’t want my immediate family to go to jail, or worse. I finally told my mom at the age of 28, when I wrote it in a magazine article. I want to believe that I will get better, after holding things in for so long... feeling alone and broken. There has to be light at the end... right?
By Drea Williams7 years ago in Viva
Mental Abuse
This is my story on suffering mental abuse in a relationship. I guess I will just start from the beginning. I met a guy in a time of my life where I felt I absolutely needed someone to be happy. I didn’t truly love myself or believe myself to be worthy, and jumped at any guy who came my way. This is when I started dating my first long-term boyfriend.
By anyonymous a7 years ago in Viva
Consent, Consent, Consent!
Verb: Give permission for something to happen. One of, if not the most important fundamental required to get your freak on with someone you're sexually attracted to and yet frequently misunderstood. Women have often been hurt one way or another by misunderstood consent and we need to protect them. Through my "male-lense," which is at times goofy, barbaric and yet sensible, I will explain how to understand and ask for consent as education is important and hopefully this is the first of many.
By Icarus Bandela7 years ago in Viva
Think
So how many times have you said to yourself that "this is the last time," only to find the cycle starting over again? How many times have you beaten yourself up because of mistakes that you made, because your heart was wired different and you cared about not caring? Does that make you stupid or an idiot—because, instead of calling or texting that ex, you rather suffer the moment of pain and flashes of memories, then end up right back at "I can't do this no more." Society has us think that because we choose to be upfront and call someone out on their buffoonery that we are bitter, hurt, and scorn. No, just fed up and tired of three, or four, or even 12 chances, when time after time, the red flags were there, yet we beloved in our heart say "this time is different."
By Nicole Christina7 years ago in Viva
Dating with Priorities
Dating can be daunting. It forces us to look within ourselves, and expose our vulnerability to total strangers, in the hopes of building a long lasting connection for life, and the older you get the more you there is at stake, and your 20s are the most vital decade for ones’ love life; it is the foundation of your love life. Some would even say they are the years that lead you to the love of your life, and shape you in all aspects of life.
By J A N E Y .7 years ago in Viva
The Violence of Hurricane Noah
Hi there, it's Luna again. By my previous stories, you're maybe under the impression that I am girly and maybe even weak minded, or not. I can assure you that I'm nothing like that. I'm a proud strong woman who can defend myself and who I love.
By Singster Jones7 years ago in Viva
Women Need Women
In my travels throughout the internet the other day, I came across a TED Talk featuring Hollywood legends Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda. These are two women whom I've seen throughout most of my life; my mom was a fan of their film with Dolly Parton, 9 to 5, and I have many memories of seeing Tomlin's phone operator Ernestine or her little girl Edith Ann. Many of my contemporaries watch Grace & Frankie on Netflix, and the lifelong friends have struck me as women who are probably just as funny offscreen as they are onscreen.
By Christina St-Jean7 years ago in Viva
10 Ways Toxic Masculinity Affects Dating
People, I gotta tell ya. The dating pool needs chlorine in it, big time. It's not that there aren't sexy people out there; even the average person is fairly good looking. No, the problem isn't looks. It's peoples' attitudes.
By Sasha Konikovo7 years ago in Viva
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
When I was a teenager, something unexpected happened to me that was hard to overcome, but as the years went by I learned to accept that what happened happened and to move on from it. Sadly, that was hard to do, but the man I am with today helped me through that journey to get over what has happened. This poem was written before I had met him as a start to get over what has happened to me, and after such a long time, this dragon tattoo represents the truth about me as a person.
By Trinity Shadow7 years ago in Viva
