From the diary of an independent romantic girl

For some reason, there's a popular misconception that independence and romance are individual exclusives and cannot go hand-in-hand. So, you either have to be independent or a romantic. But what about those of us who are both? You know, where do girls like us go? To work?... or on a date? 

Why is it always an either/or - For example, your either a wide-eyed sucker for romance, stumbling around desperately looking for love, or you have to be a strong, aggressive, ambitious career woman who doesn’t need a man. But never both. And if one of us only dare to try, we're instantly shot down by people who try to tell us (through their actions or their words), that we're just not allowed to do that. 

Life is tough for the ambitious hopeless romantics. Especially when people make you feel like if you put love first, either you’re an anti-feminist or you’re too dependent on a man and couldn't care less about your career. And of course, it works the other way too. God forbid you put your career on top priority, ahead of your love life, you’re a cold-hearted ice queen and a future crazy cat lady, who’s going to end up alone.

Well today, I'd just like to make it clearly known that we exist. Yes, I'm fiercely independent and ambitious and yes, I'm also fiercely loving and needy of love. I might be able to hold it together and run the show, but that doesn't make me crave the flowers, chocolates and movie dates any less. In fact, sometimes, after a hard days work, that's all I might want to come back to -  arms to hold me when I'm tired or the company of someone I adore. 

So please, the next time you come across a driven, career oriented girl, don't make her feel like she has to choose or keep those two aspects of personality separate. The next time you meet a girl like that, look closer and you'll see vulnerability and gentleness, just like you do in other girls. The next time you recognise the trait of independence, don't mistake it for her being emotionally void or unstirred. Because just like me, she's capable of big love, and might just be waiting for someone like you, to handle it!