Dear men, let’s get this straight once and for all: my actions are not invitations, and your assumptions are not my truth. When I smile at you, it’s a reflection of my own grace and kindness, not an acceptance of your nonsense. If I answer your calls or respond to your messages, it’s because I respect you as an individual, not because I’m secretly yearning to be your muse. When I shake your hand, it’s a gesture of professionalism and equality, not a craving for your touch. If I stand beside you in a room, it’s because I carry myself with pride and see myself as your equal—not because I’m looking for an excuse to brush shoulders. When I give you my number, it’s likely because I see potential for collaboration or a mutual cause—not because I’m inviting you to cross my boundaries. If I stay late in meetings, speak up in conversations, or walk the extra mile in shared endeavors, it’s for progress, not for your approval. And when I stand by you in hard times, it’s because I’m human, capable of empathy and resilience—not because I’m seeking a moment of validation or a chance to be exploited. Understand this: my kindness is not submission, my cooperation is not longing, and my respect is not an invitation for entitlement. Don’t mistake my dignity and independence for signs that I exist to serve your needs or fantasies. My strength, my presence, and my actions are mine alone—they are not for you to twist into something convenient for your ego. Dear men, take note: I am not here to be your stepping stone, your savior, or your sidekick. I am not yours to use or diminish. I am a woman who knows her worth, and I demand the respect I deserve. If you cannot handle that, the issue is not mine—it’s yours.

Shradha Ahuja Ramani