Stop Giving High Maintenance Girls a Bad Rep

What do you think of when you hear the term “high maintenance woman”? Do you think of someone who demands attention? Someone materialistic? It seems this term often gets tangled up with an image of someone who is overly focused on her looks. The word also tends to have a negative connotation. No one says “high maintenance” as a compliment. Search this term up on Google and you’ll see multiple websites and articles essentially giving you tips on how to spot/avoid a high-maintenance woman. 

But babe, let's flip the script. When did becoming a high-maintenance woman become bad exactly? A high-maintenance woman is a woman who has standards for herself, her partner, and the life she wants to lead. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. A high-maintenance woman, in my opinion, is not “high maintenance”. She’s just a woman who knows how to show up for and take care of herself.

All “high-maintenance” women heavily prioritize self-care. Prioritizing Self-Care is not something to be ashamed of. Putting yourself first is essential for promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Women who prioritize self-care know prioritizing self-care is key to achieving the best version of themselves and therefore are able to show up more for the people who are in their lives.

Societal expectations often dictate that women should prioritize the needs of others before their own. When women break away from this traditional role and prioritize their own needs, they may be unfairly labeled as high maintenance due to the detour from societal norms. In simpler terms, the minute a woman decides to put herself first, she is instantly “high maintenance.”

Within these “high maintenance” women, a common thread weaves through their narratives and identities—their unwavering commitment to putting themselves first and setting clear boundaries. These women are masters of asserting their personal needs, a trait that proves invaluable in cultivating not only healthy relationships but also fostering their own personal growth. They are not afraid to say no and speak up for what they think they deserve. Their assertiveness isn't a demand for constant attention; it's a self-assured stance.

Challenging the stereotype requires a shift in societal attitudes toward women's autonomy and self-determination. Encouraging a more inclusive and accepting perspective on women who prioritize themselves helps break down harmful stereotypes. Just because a woman invests in self-care, such as getting her nails done and scheduling monthly facials, all while understanding her own worth, doesn't grant society the right to brand her as demanding or materialistic. It's time to challenge these outdated assumptions and embrace the diversity of women's choices and expressions.

Strike Out,

Anjali Kamath

Boca Raton 

Anjali Kamath is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. When she’s not belting her heart out on karaoke she’s either at the yoga studio or spending all her money. She’s a textbook Aries and a Diet Coke enthusiast. You can reach her at anjalikamath460@gmail.com