Feminism means promoting acceptance and equality, valuing different identities and loving others and ourselves for who we are. And since mutual respect, love and understanding are vital ingredients to a healthy relationship, we'll go right ahead and say it: feminists make ~the best~ companions. No matter where you fall on the identity spectrum, your relationship is bound to benefit from a partner who stands for equal rights for all. Be it a confident and courageous gal pal or considerate and progressive boyfriend, a feminist plus-one is the partner everyone deserves.
1. The end-of-meal bill situation will be stress free.
A female-identifying feminist isn't going to fight you for the bill, but she won't expect you to pay, and a male-identifying feminist won't have his pride hurt by letting his SO foot the bill. So split the bill or take turns at the table—after all, a few freebie dinners never hurt.
2. Worried about being too forward? The first move is on us.
Playing hard to get is so outdated, not to mention dangerous when it comes to clarifying consent. A feminist SO won't mind you making the first move, even if your traditional gender role says otherwise.
3. Cry in front of us—or not. Gender norms be damned.
Your emotions will be validated no matter what they are, we promise.
4. Our perspectives have been widened in all sorts of situations.
Being a feminist means being open-minded, and expecting open-mindedness in return. So if you want to switch roles in the bedroom, just ask!
5. Point blank: we aren't afraid to talk about sex.
We all have bodies (and a right to use them), so why are we ashamed of them?
6. And because we don't beat around the bush, consent is a priority.
Feminists know that consent can be sexy, and even if asking is awk, who cares? No one should feel uncomfortable or used, no matter their orientation or identity.
7. Pregnancy scare fiascoes don't have to be an issue.
Access to birth control and feminism go hand-in-hand, meaning feminists aren't afraid to be open about taking steps toward safer sex.
8. You can say goodbye to negative gossip.
We are so not about judging or tearing down anyone.
9. We know our unique privileges, and use them for good.
Feminism requires a recognition of double standards and inequality. We'll see injustices more clearly and recognize when it's our job to help (say hello to endlessly fun dates volunteering)!
10. We won't shut down your dreams.
Want to be a stay-at-home-dad? Want to be a stay-at-home-mom? No matter who you are, you have the right to fulfill your own wishes and goals.
11. Say goodbye to the endless "no, what do you want to do?" cycle of decision making.
Why should anyone be nervous to offer up something as simple as an activity or restaurant option? It's okay to take charge, and we'll do it if you don't want to!
12. Forgot to shave? Big whoop.
If you're female-identifying, a feminist SO won't get grossed out by the occasional spiky leg, or even the choice to not shave at all. And if you're male-identifying, a feminist SO won't expect you to be the next hulk. The choices you make with your body are your choices ~end of story~, so stereotypical expectations can go out the window.
13. We can offer up empathy toward the injustices you experience.
We won't shut down how you're feeling without hearing the whole story, and we'll always listento you.
14. But we have no problem stirring up a debate, making our conversations consistently lively.
Myth: feminists are aggressive, angry, judgmental man-haters. Fact: feminists aren't afraid to point out a sexist slip but only because they care, and ~caring is cool.~
15. All in all, you and your SO will be constantly learning with and from each other—talk about a power couple.
When you aren't afraid to admit faults, grow and come to decisions together, your relationship will undoubtedly strengthen.
