In the age of social media, it’s become increasingly common for individuals, particularly women, to feel pressured to be everything to everyone, all of the time. The image of “Superwoman” has permeated our society, creating unrealistic expectations and setting a standard that is impossible to meet. While striving for excellence is admirable, it’s essential to acknowledge that nobody is truly superhuman. In this article, I will explore the reasons why pretending to be Superwoman can be detrimental to your well-being, and unhelpful to women in general, with a specific focus on the societal expectation for women to perform all roles at once.

The Myth of Superwoman: A Societal Construct

The concept of Superwoman, often portrayed as a woman who flawlessly manages a successful career, a perfect home, a thriving social life, and an impeccable appearance, is a myth perpetuated by societal expectations. Women are often burdened with the idea that they must excel in every facet of life simultaneously. However, this expectation is not only unrealistic but also unjust.

The Balancing Act: An Unattainable Ideal

Juggling multiple roles, such as being a successful professional, a dedicated parent, a loving partner, and a nurturing homemaker, simultaneously is simply not possible unless you have help – whether that’s paid help or help from family. While some women may temporarily excel in some of these areas, it’s impossible to maintain such a high level of performance in every aspect of life consistently.

The Unseen Toll on Mental Health

Pretending to be Superwoman, conforming to society’s unrealistic expectations, can have severe consequences for women’s mental health. Constantly striving for perfection in every role, while also battling against the societal pressure to do so, leads to stress, anxiety, and even depression. The pressure to appear perfect and always in control can create a façade that isolates women from genuine connections and support systems.

The Struggle for Work-Life Balance

The demand for women to excel in both their careers and family lives simultaneously can be overwhelming. The expectation that women should seamlessly switch between roles without missing a beat ignores the very real challenges of balancing work and family. It’s essential to recognise that achieving a perfect balance is unattainable and places undue stress on women.

By pretending you do all of these things all of the time, women perpetuate the notion that this is possible WITHOUT a support system. It is not.

Advocating for Realistic Expectations

Rather than striving to be Superwoman and performing all roles flawlessly at once, it’s crucial to advocate for realistic expectations. Society should recognise that women, like everyone else, have limitations and can’t meet impossible standards. We should celebrate and support women for their individual strengths and contributions in various areas of life, without expecting them to excel in all simultaneously.

Redefining Success and Support

It’s time to redefine success for women by emphasising the importance of personal fulfilment and well-being. This includes recognising that success doesn’t equate to meeting every societal expectation. Women should have the freedom to define success on their own terms and seek support in areas where they need it most.

Final Thoughts

The societal expectation for women to perform all roles at once, akin to the mythical Superwoman, is an unjust and unrealistic construct that places an immense burden on women’s shoulders. Pretending to be Superwoman not only has detrimental effects on women’s mental and physical health but also perpetuates an unattainable ideal. Instead of striving for perfection in all areas of life simultaneously, we must advocate for realistic expectations and celebrate women for their individual strengths and contributions. It’s time to acknowledge that women, like everyone else, have limitations and deserve support in their pursuit of happiness and fulfilment. You aren’t Superwoman, and neither am I – and that’s perfectly okay.