Living in a patriarchal society, women are limited to certain stereotypes and often subjected to sexist remarks. Despite this, even when expected to play secondary roles to men, women in history have marched their way to the forefront, fighting for our independence, for women’s rights, and for advancement. From leading troops to making incredible scientific breakthroughs, women have long disproved statements that draw the line on what they “can” and “cannot” do.

History has allowed us to learn from the people who came before us, yet we can only truly know a fraction of what transpired in their lifetime. Behind all the claims of glory and progress lies something more than meets the eye. There is always more than one side of the story. In the seemingly endless cycle of centuries of exploitation, there still remains the stories of the oppressed, waiting to be heard and told.

Since the start of the pandemic, lockdown had us feel like Rapunzel at the start of Tangled: stuck in the same place we’ve always been and wondering when our life will begin again. It’s been almost a year since quarantine first started and the fourteenth of February is right around the corner—love surely is in the air, but so is COVID.

“Traffic na naman sa EDSA,” my mom complained. She relaxed her back on the driver’s seat and let out a sigh of defeat. She peeked me through the rearview mirror and apologetically smiled. I have my History finals tomorrow and instead of studying, I’m stuck in this rowdy road swarmed with vehicles.

A Utopian society, wherein no one is no longer discriminated, is what almost everyone has been longing for. However, the same old story of abuse, harrasment, and discrimination happens again and again, only with different characters and setting for each. True enough, gender equality has come a long way in today’s day and age. However, the gender inclusive society that we know today is nowhere near what our ancestors used to live in.

Late night chats. Unexpected calls. Lively conversations. Darling, you know these things all too well. You look at these seemingly little nothings through rose-colored glasses. The slightest bit of interaction from one person is enough to bring out your smile. All it takes is a simple text or notification to make your day. Now, don’t get me wrong, these are great and all but do be careful… At this day and age, many people just crave any remote sense of affection or intimacy, no matter how fleeting these things may be.

Delete, delete, delete! It’s the nth time you’ve tried constructing a reply to the person you’re texting and you just can’t think of the proper response. The first one seemed a little too giddy, the second too unenthusiastic. Maybe try adding an emoji? Nah, it just doesn’t match the energy. Ugh, why is it so difficult to reply?!