In recent years, Disney princess movies have gotten a lot of criticism for depicting young women as helpless, lonely, and not an asset to the world if they don’t have a prince by their side. Disney recently has started to grow out of this traditional depiction of women, with characters such as Ana from Frozen, Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, and Merida from Brave. Well ladies, while Disney does have it correct that you deserve to be treated like a princess, their reasoning was backwards. You deserve to be a princess because you are awesome, with or without Prince Charming standing at your side. And here’s why.
1. You are outgoing.
Cinderella wasn’t afraid to go to the ball all by herself, and Snow White wasn’t afraid to move in with seven guys. Being outgoing is a great way to meet people, make friends, learn new things, and expand your network. Being friendly and social isn’t only great for meeting new people, but will probably make you happier as a result.
2. You are smart.
For Pete’s sake, you go to the University if Michigan. There was an admissions committee that thought you were among the leaders and best. Because you are! No one here at UMich will receive all A+’s in all of their classes, so don’t be so down on yourself if your GPA isn’t where it was in high school. Try your best, study your hardest, and use what you know to apply it to the real world. Isn’t that why you’re receiving an education in the first place?
3. You take risks.
Ariel never would have created such a vast collection of “things” if she hadn’t explored a little. Rapunzel never would have fallen for Flynn Ryder if she hadn’t left her castle. And Cinderella wasn’t going to be another women cleaning the kitchen; she was going to go to the ball no matter what it took. So take a risk once in a while! This doesn’t mean putting your life at risk, but do something outside of your comfort zone. Darling, you can’t get to the top if you are too scared to reach a little higher and climb.
4. You have innovative ideas.
Princesses may have to run a country one day. And you have the perfect ideas for this job. For example, Tiana from The Princess Frog dreamed of opening a restaurant, and she made her dream come true! Put your ideas to good use in class, clubs, your job, and other aspects of your life.
5. You are a leader.
Mulan led her friends to save the emperor of China. Now, you don’t need to go to this extent, but with a little extra confidence and a little practice, everyone can channel their inner Chinese warrior and totally lead something they are passionate about. By stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking charge of your life, you can make a change in society and the world.
6. You are naturally beautiful.
No, we don’t all have that perfect frizz-free hair that Disney built up our expectations and hopes to have. But you don’t need to glob on the foundation or hair spray to be aesthetically appealing. Let your face breathe and hold off with the heavy makeup. Do you think even waterproof mascara worked for Ariel under the sea? Probably not. Even princesses know how to rock their natural features. Embrace your youthful and fresh-faced princess look.
7. You are talented.
You are above average at something. Or two or three somethings. It may be basketball, it may be writing poetry, and it may be math. Whatever it is, run with it. Developing a talent may be just what you need to top off that self-confidence that every princess needs.
8. And lastly, everyone looks good in a tiara and the color pink.
Or purple. Or orange. Or green. Or black. Just pick a color and make it shine. You know you can.
Every girl is different from the next, but that doesn’t make anyone less special than someone else. Don’t settle to just be the princess of someone else’s life. Remember that you don’t need a significant other by your side to be royally you.