You are not like other girls.

In this article, Tisha tells us why it is not a compliment and why you should never say it.

‘You are not like other girls.’ This might be controversial but it is important to discuss everything that is
wrong with this so called compliment .Time and again, a lot of people have used this to compliment
girls. But it means quite the opposite. Compliments are supposed to make you feel better about yourself
but without putting others down.

Let us start by analyzing the statement. It is setting up a negative picture by telling her that her gender is
bad. However, she is different and that is supposed to make her feel better. It might set up ideas about
being a girly girl or being boyish when there are actually no such things. Not only is it sexist and
misogynistic but it also can lead to internalized hate towards the said other girls. Anything you do should
always be your choice and not to satisfy gender stereotypes. It might not seem a huge deal but it is all
these small things that have a great impact as a whole. It may also give a wrong idea of what feminism
actually means.

There is already enough hate in the world. The least we can do is to not spread hate over a whole
gender community just to compliment someone. The belief that this is a compliment is absurd.It should
neither be said nor be appreciated. It’s not just this phrase, there are many,for instance, beauty with
brains, strong for a girl, men don’t cry, and so on. Its time we realize the blunder and stop commenting
on people for doing what they want to.

Every girl, I repeat, every girl is beautiful and unique in her own way. So the next time you want to
compliment, rather say she is smart, funny, pretty or fun to be with. Let me know if you have ever been
said the so called compliment!

Until then,

Tisha.