Leaving a relationship that you’ve been in for a while, good or bad, is easier said than done. I’ve seen it more times than I wish I’d had- two people very close to me couldn’t bring themselves to breakup with their significant others, even though there were times when they were being verbally abused and not treated like the queens they are. But in a society where women are constantly objectified and reduced to sex symbols, it’s not unusual to not be taken seriously to the point where your argument is considered invalid by your partner (or anybody, for that matter. You just couldn’t possibly know anything other than beauty and fashion and men). Maybe that’s something you’re dealing with right now, or have dealt with and wish to avoid in the future, so let’s consider a few solutions to being ignored (in a relationship or otherwise).
What would Marilyn Monroe do? Well, if there ever were an expert on being objectified, it was her. She was constantly speaking out against how the media portrayed her, insisting she was not just some two dimensional character. And she certainly wasn’t, leaving behind tons of tidbits of wisdom that I will now bestow upon you. First, she says, “A smart girl leaves before she is left.” If you’re unhappy in your relationship, leave…especially if you’re being verbally or physically abused. Plus, being the one to end it might lessen the emotional toll it’ll take- but never stay hung up on your ex’s broken heart…never feel bad for caring about yourself first. If your relationship is fixable, however, don’t be afraid to sit your partner down and set the record straight- your feelings matter, and you refuse to be pushed around! If that’s a problem for them, they’re not worth the struggle. But if they truly love you, they’ll hear you out. After all, in the words of Marilyn Monroe, “Respect is one of life’s greatest treasures. I mean, what does it all add up to if you don’t have that?”
