This article was originally published on 24/7Mirror
The Painful Reality Of Going For A Run
According to movies and social media influencers, women are supposed to look gorgeous when going out for a run. This cardiovascular classic is sold as a way to feel amazing and look great. The reality, however, is anything but, and instead of looking like a Hollywood leading lady, a gentle jog usually has us looking like a Halloween character! Bella perfectly captured the expectation versus reality of this "fun" activity.
With all this being said, we must let go of the idea that we have to look "good" while working out. Surely the point of exercising is to give our bodies a good workout, not look like a model while doing it, right?
Getting Your Paycheck and Watching It All Disappear
There are few better feelings than a payday feeling. You've waited all month and thought about everything you'd like to buy once your paycheck clears, and then it does. How exciting! But the truth is, few things feel as bad as watching your hard-earned cash disappear on bills. Bills may be inevitable, but it doesn't make them any less painful, and we can all relate to this hilarious illustration.
But knowing that bills will take a decent chunk of our salary, we can still try to save. Then again, we saw some really chic home accessories the other day.
That Dreaded Post-Mascara Sneeze
If you're even slightly into makeup, then you can probably relate to this illustration. Applying mascara is not a quick job, so why do we always get so unlucky and sneeze or blink aggressively right after applying a fresh coat? Perhaps it's the intense period of concentration or the mouth being kept open in that funny way. Whatever the reason, the post-application sneeze or disruption is definitely annoying.
The one consolation is that, as Bella Sriwantana documents so hilariously, most girls go through this regularly. So when you next sneeze, remember, you are not alone!
Summertime Means It's Chafing Season
Denim shorts are always a great idea, right? The sun comes out, and we want to get our legs out, and a cute pair of denim is just what the style doctor ordered. The problem is, as many women can attest to, they can also chafe pretty badly. Okay, worse than that, they can chafe like crazy! Just like a new pair of shoes, there isn't much you can do except ride through the pain.
Just remember to carry another pair of shorts — ideally not denim — with you when you're heading out and about in denim shorts. Otherwise, you might be feeling uncomfortable for a while!
When Your Boyfriend Has Better Lashes Than You
Many women can relate to the painstaking effort that goes into caring for and accentuating our eyelashes. Some of us even spend substantial amounts of money enhancing our flutter, so it is agonizing to see a guy who makes zero effort batting his lashes and looking like a supermodel! How can this be? Does your boyfriend even care about their incredible natural assets? Let's be honest; it's just not fair.
In a cruel twist of fate, men actually have a higher hereditary chance of being blessed with long, thick eyelashes. Be careful what you wish for, however, as this is generally due to them having more and thicker body hair!
Expectations Versus Reality of a Ponytail
The ponytail is a hairdo that most women have utilized since childhood. It's an easy and effective way to keep hair out of our faces when playing sports or doing tasks, but it can also be a cute style to have in general. At least, in theory! Some girls tie their hair up and look like a leading character from a Disney movie, but this isn't the reality for all of us, right?
We're not sure what the secret to the perfect ponytail is, but it's worth finding out. After all, who wouldn't want to look like an off-duty model with minimum effort?
Reading The Shampoo Bottle Because Your Phone Battery Died
Let's be honest, our phones come everywhere with us these days, even to the bathroom! These mini-computers that we can't seem to live without have almost become an extension of our bodies. However, seeking entertainment while sitting on the toilet isn't exactly a new phenomenon; in reality, the phone has simply replaced the newspaper. Unlike a newspaper, however, a mobile phone relies on battery life - which can be a problem.
Isn't it typical for our battery to run out right when we're stranded in the bathroom? That's when we turn to the trusty old shampoo bottle and its exciting list of ingredients.
When You Take His Photo Versus When He Takes Yours
Why is it that guys seem to care so much less about photos of themselves than their girlfriends do? Maybe that's because they take for granted the effort that goes into making them look picture-perfect; we've spoiled them with our skills! We'll find the right angle and lighting to get the perfect shot of them. But when it's their turn to take a photo of us, it's a whole other story.
Talk about frustrating. Those "Instagram" boyfriends some people have, who know how to take perfect photos, must be professionally trained.
Perfect Eyebrows and Unbrushed Hair Is the Best Combo
Generally speaking, we have more hair on our heads than on our eyebrows. But hey, that doesn't stop us from focusing all of our beauty attention on this unassuming little area above our eyes. Crazy, right? Plenty of girls can relate to this imbalance of taking hours to get the perfect brow only to leave a few seconds to sort their hair out. Oh well, at least the messy look is on trend!
There is a method to this madness, however. A killer eyebrow can be the centerpiece of an entire look. In fact, you can probably get away with a trash bag on your head if your brows are on point!
The Childish Excitement of Waiting for an Online Order
Let's be honest, shopping online is addictive! The fact that you can find pretty much anything you could possibly need, often for a ridiculously good price, then click a couple of buttons to make it yours is very exciting. However, even with super-fast delivery, we sometimes can't wait. Running to the door when we hear a van outside or checking the mailbox multiple times in case we missed the delivery are real problems after making an online order.
What is it about the excitement of waiting for something we want? Perhaps it stems from birthdays or holidays as a kid. Whatever it is, lots of us haven't grown out of it!
That Sense of Panic When You Can't Find Your Phone in Your Bag
There's no denying that carrying a big bag with us everywhere has its benefits. Need a tissue to blow your nose? Got it. A handful of nuts for a quick snack? No problem. Emergency mascara reapplication? Easy. However, a Mary Poppins-style accessory can also come with its own challenges. Pretty much every woman has experienced that moment of panic when she can't find her cell phone buried beneath a bunch of other stuff.
Perhaps the key to avoiding this heart-in-mouth moment is to be a little more selective about what makes the cut when it comes to the bag. Do we really need three different flavors of gum? Probably not.
There's Always Next Summer
Summer is when we spend a lot of time outside, having barbeques, relaxing at the beach, or having the occasional pool party. Unlike the colder months, when we're wrapped in lots of layers, summer often calls for fewer clothes like crop tops or bikinis. Therefore, lots of women see this as the season to get "in shape." But as we know, the pressure we put on ourselves to look our physical best can be guilt-inducing and counter-productive.
We come in all shapes and sizes, and being healthy — physically and emotionally — is what really matters. Besides, who says there's a perfect body shape to aspire to? Enjoy that burger and fries!
Full Closet yet Nothing to Wear
This is surely one of the most relatable challenges for most women. We add new clothes to our closets on a pretty regular basis, yet it still feels like we have nothing to wear when it's time to get ready! In fact, not only does it feel like we have no options, but we begin to resent the clothes we do have. This is undoubtedly a common problem, but how can it be fixed?
One way is not to get too concerned about having to wear something new every time we go to dinner or to see friends. Instead, develop a signature look that you'll be proud to call on time after time.
Diet Always Breaks at Dinner Time
Let's be honest: following a healthy diet is difficult even for the most disciplined among us. This illustration is totally relatable, as it feels like making healthy food choices gets progressively trickier as the day goes by. We start fresh and disciplined with a lean breakfast. Easy. Lunchtime is often something quick and easy to fit around work. Again, easy. By dinner time, however, our self-control gets tested to the max.
Usually, we're at home and in our comfy clothes. We probably also have the TV on and are in full relaxation mode. We're tired after a long day, so crave something delicious. Donuts for dessert, anyone?
Finally Learning We're Not Here to Please Everyone
Life is a series of interactions with people we know and people we don't, some of whom we're close to and others we aren't. It's understandable that, as social creatures, we want to try and please everyone we come into contact with, but the reality is that this is not only unrealistic but also unhealthy. Most people we're worried about pleasing probably don't think about us all the time, anyway.
So, rather than trying to please everyone all the time, this illustration is a great reminder to live your best life and be the most authentic version of "you." Don't be too hard on yourself!
The Tragic Reality of Wearing a Jumpsuit
From a style perspective, a jumpsuit is one of the best options in a closet. You don't have to think of a complete outfit because you got one in that one item! From a practical perspective, however, it might just be at the bottom of the list. Sure, you'll look incredible on the dance floor or elegant at the dinner table, but the minute nature calls and you need to visit the bathroom, you'll be cursing your decision to own a one-piece, let alone wear one!
The good news is that if you don't mind the considerable hassle of basically getting fully undressed to pee, then it's all good. The bad news? There's no way around having to basically get fully undressed to pee.
Having the Worst Week Ever Once a Month
Many others will never truly understand the pain and discomfort a woman has to go through every single month when her period arrives. Cramps, headaches, feeling bloated, mood swings, you name it. It's brutal. Even the most caring of partners can sometimes be on the end of a vicious retort during this time, as showing support can sometimes be a reminder that they're not going through what you have to!
Perhaps the world would be a more understanding place if men genuinely knew what this "time of the month" felt like. We doubt that would be an easy sell, unfortunately.
Overpacking Like a Pro
A woman packing way too many things in her suitcase for a vacation is definitely a stereotype, but let's be honest, it's pretty accurate! Whether it's that extra pair of sneakers or a "just in case" dress, we ladies have a habit of going a little overboard when it comes to our suitcases. In fairness, vacations can be challenging to plan for - what if the weather isn't what it's supposed to be, for example?
When you're next at the airport, take a look at the amusing mismatch between couples and their luggage. You'll likely see a guy with a small backpack and his partner not far behind, struggling with an enormous suitcase!
Music Changes Everything
Let's be honest: hardly anyone enjoys doing the household chores. Unfortunately, they are one of the things we can't avoid as a functioning adult! But there is something magical about cleaning the house and playing music really loud. While this habit might apply to guys too, we can guarantee that for us, housework is virtually impossible without first getting in the mood with our favorite tunes. It's an essential part of the process.
This need for an accompanying soundtrack makes a lot of sense. We usually put off essential chores because they're boring and strenuous, so if we can distract ourselves by singing along to music, the time seems to fly by. And it makes our clean home all the more satisfying.
"Oh, No, That's Too Bad You Have to Cancel... "
This reaction is so relatable, especially in this age of smartphones. Sure, we want to hang out with our family and friends, and more often than not, we feel great after going to that party or meeting up for that drink. However, the desire for a night on our sofas in front of the TV is very real, and if canceled plans mean we don't need to get dressed up and leave the house, then fantastic!
The best thing about someone canceling plans with you is that you can pretend to be gutted, and it gives you a pass to cancel plans yourself in the future. Evil laugh!
You'd Get Even Closer if You Could
One of the most well-known features of a domestic relationship is a woman's ability to secure the space in a bed. Your boyfriend might be 6'5, but he'd better be sure that you'll have at least two-thirds of the bed thank you very much! How and why this happens is one of life's great mysteries, but it does. We can almost hear the collective groans of boyfriends worldwide.
But hey, what a woman wants, a woman gets, right, ladies? Anyway, like most elements of a relationship, a guy will eventually get used to this being the status quo.
Both Sweet and Sour
Okay, time for a bit of honesty. We can turn into something pretty terrifying when we lose our temper! This image is hilariously relatable, as it's so often an innocuous comment from a partner that sends us into full Godzilla mode. Whatever the reason for it, this monstrous transition can have significant others runnings scared. But hey, it's kind of endearing, right? "Come back, babe, I've calmed down now! Promise!"
How to control these emotions is a tricky solution. Perhaps taking a deep breath or even waiting a few more seconds before reacting to something could help.
Not Feeling the Love From Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans are the item of clothing we love to hate and hate to love. When a woman is feeling her best, there's nothing that accentuates that feeling more like a fantastic fitting pair of skinnies. But, when a woman has one of those "meh" kind of days, then it's the total opposite. Skinny jeans are incredibly unforgiving, so, understandably, most women have a love/hate relationship with them.
Perhaps they should only be reached for on days when we're feeling our best and tucked away somewhere deep in our closet at all other times. Skinny jeans: approach with caution!
Just One Day Late and We're Convinced
For some of us, few things are more stressful than when our period arrives late. That stress only increases as the days go by, but there is a relatable tendency to assume the worse (or the best!) after just 24 hours of your menstrual cycle not doing its usual thing. Perhaps your mind begins to wonder about all the things you'll need to buy if there's a baby on the way or how you'll break the news to your partner.
In reality, a late period is very common and often nothing to worry about. You can take that copy of What To Expect When You're Expecting out of your shopping basket now!
How Are We Supposed to Choose From so Many Delicious Fried Options?
Okay, so pregnant women obviously have a pass on this — their unusual food cravings are legendary! But every other woman out there can relate to the day-to-day indecisiveness when it comes to picking something to snack on. Is it too much choice? Not enough choice? This cartoon captures the feelings of a woman's long-suffering partner as she gazes at numerous different food options for hours on end. Poor guy!
In fairness to the indecisive foodies out there, some places just have way too much good stuff to choose from. How can you possibly decide between a donut and a cookie? Let's get both.
Your Partner's Arm Doubles as a Makeup Tester
Buying makeup is no small undertaking. It can be a long and tedious process, so you definitely need to be in the right frame of mind before venturing out to the store. Beyond willpower and energy, something else that helps when shopping for makeup is an assistant — whether they realize that's their role or not! Ah, the poor old boyfriend. How many times have we seen one looking bored and confused in a cosmetics department?
Unfortunately, that's the role he has to accept! Finding the right makeup is a meticulous process, so having extra space on your arm to test out the various colors is critical. Even better? Using his.
All the Bags Feel Heavier When He's Around
Who doesn't love being strong and independent, both physically and emotionally? It's empowering to feel like you don't need to rely on anyone for anything and the modern woman has this down to a tee. However, we also love to feel supported, especially when with our partners. Walking home alone from the grocery store with a crate of soda? No problem. When your boyfriend is around, though? He can do that!
It's an interesting bit of psychology, and clearly, women want to appear more vulnerable to their partners than they really are. Or then again, maybe we're just brilliant and using them for the annoying heavy-lifting.
The Sad Reality of DIY Bangs
There's something so edgy and effortless about bangs. It's the kind of hairstyle that can give women major FOMO, so it's often one that is attempted at home. For readers who have tried this, you'll know it's a bad idea! The expectation is that a few glides of a scissor will leave you looking like Taylor Swift cruising down Sundet Boulevard. The reality is usually an immediate feeling of regret.
Like many style choices, if you want bangs, then you're best leaving it to a professional. Yes, it might cost more than you'd like to spend, but the results will be worth it.
We Have to Change Clothes Half the Time We Do the Dishes
Adulting, for the most part, is pretty tedious. Whether it's paying bills, working all day, or doing the housework, these inevitable tasks can often end in tears. Nothing is more frustrating than doing the dishes. Not only is it a tiresome job, it invariably leads to soapy water splashing all over your clothes. Oh great, there goes the new white t-shirt! No matter how many aprons you wear, the soaking seems inevitable.
The serial offender? Without a doubt, it has to be the spoon. For something so unassuming, the spoon is the one utensil that always sends water splashing all over us.
Yet We'll Do It Again Tomorrow Night
We've probably all experienced this before, and we probably all deserved it! As the smartphone generation, most of us — not just women, are glued to our little screens all day and night. There's something incredibly comforting about reaching for our phone when we wake up. After all, what happens if some juicy gossip went down the night before that we need to catch up on?
It's always worth sitting up to scroll, however, as a mobile phone falling straight onto your face can easily cause a black eye or a bloody nose. Trust us, Instagram can wait!
Could They Please Make a Non-Stick Lip Gloss?
While you might opt for lipstick as an everyday option, there are occasions when life calls for its sparklier cousin, lip gloss! Perhaps it's a night out with the girls or a fancy New Year's Eve party? Whatever the occasion, lip gloss can be a lively addition to your outfit. However, as most girls can certainly relate, lip gloss and hair are anything but a match made in heaven, and the two should never meet.
Lip gloss, of course, is incredibly sticky and will stick to anything that comes into its orbit. Your hair is usually most at risk, so consider going for an up-do to save the lip gloss rage!
Just Getting Our Eyesight in Shape
Technology has changed the game when it comes to fitness. We no longer need to drag ourselves to the gym to get the benefits of a full workout. Thanks to videos online, we're only a couple of clicks away from being able to follow along to a workout curated by a professional personal trainer. It's great! That is if you can be bothered to follow along.
Sure, we know that deep down, we should get active and achieve our physical goals, but more often than not, chilling out with a tub of ice cream seems way more appealing.
The Most Stressful Part of the Day
Ever since streaming services came to prominence with their endless options of movies, TV series, and documentaries, we can all relate to being stuck in a kind of vortex of indecision. In fact, such is the plethora of choices on platforms like Netflix, it can almost become paralyzing to the point where we end up just sitting and staring at the screen while our dinner goes cold!
Our advice would be to research several options before sitting down to watch and perhaps narrow your choices to just two or three. Your partner will thank us!
Doubling as Your Significant Other's Favorite Pillow
There's no better pillow than a girlfriend. They're warm and affectionate, and they smell like roses. Significant others often love nothing more than cozying up on their partner's chest or hip and drifting off for a snooze. The feeling is also mutual, with women not shying away from using a partner's body as a pillow. It also feels great to know that your person is so comfortable in your company that they want to fall asleep on you.
The only problem with being your partner's personal pillow is getting stuck. If he falls asleep and you want to shift the position you're in, you'll make him very disappointed!
We Become Gymnasts in Our Sleep
As if being cursed with periods every month wasn't bad enough, women are also genetically predisposed to suffering more back pain than their male counterparts. It remains unclear why this is, but ladies can certainly relate to that familiar feeling of aches and pains in various areas of their backs. As this illustration amusingly points out, perhaps women end up in slightly more interesting sleeping positions than guys.
We're no medical experts, but apparently, sleeping on a firm mattress is vital to avoiding back pain. Now you have an excuse to stay in bed for even longer!
We Are Not the Same Person
Is there anything more cringeworthy than being reminded of something you posted on your social media account years ago? A lot has changed when it comes to etiquette online, and most of us will have some content from back in the day that we'd rather never see again! Remember the days of posting endless photos in an album on Facebook? Awkward. How about those long, emotional monologues we posted? Ouch.
We can at least take some solace in the fact that, back then, everyone was doing the same. Perhaps the takeaway here is that when it comes to social media, less is more.
Thinking About the Monster Under Your Bed
The human mind is a weird and wonderful thing that loves to play tricks on us. Sometimes, these tricks are mercilessly cruel and play to our innate irrationality. A case in point is the monster hiding underneath our bed. We know it isn't there, but for some reason, our mind convinces us that it most definitely is, lurking below, ready to grab our outstretched leg at any moment.
There is actually a medical term for this fear of monsters, called Teraphobia. This phobia is most common in pre-school-aged children, but on rare occasions can last all the way through adulthood.
Don't Be Scared, Baby
Most girls who wear makeup can relate to the relationship between their red lipstick and their boyfriend's face. It's definitely a one-way relationship! Most partners run a mile when they see red lips moving in for a kiss, due to it leaving a red clown-like residue all over their face. Because of this, most women have to choose between their favorite lipstick and their partner. The lipstick usually wins.
While guys might get slightly irritated at wiping off this ruby residue, they secretly love the affection. It's better to have lipstick all over your face than no kisses at all, right?
Always Gorgeous
We wouldn't be human if we weren't self-critical, but it's important sometimes to take a moment and remind ourselves of our beauty. Sure, some days, we'll look in the mirror and not like what we see, but we mustn't let that become a habit. It's especially tough for women in this era of social media "perfection" and the unrealistic beauty standards that accompany it, so try and give yourself a break.
Just like the ridiculous notion of a "summer body," striving for physical perfection is unhelpful and unhealthy. Love the body you have, and you'll lead a far happier life! But it's much easier said than done, isn't it?
It Was Supposed to Be a Solo Concert
Everyone loves going on a road trip once in a while, and what's a road trip without blasting music out loud and singing along to your favorite tunes? The thing is, most girls love singing lead and don't think too much of their thunder being stolen (or their voice being mocked!), which is why it doesn't go down well when their partner joins in. Boyfriends around the world, you have been warned!
In truth, it's all fun and games. Road trips are about more than just the journey. The magical ingredient is creating memories, no matter how out of tune they are.