Perception is 9/10ths of everything. You look at the "attention" I got and see validation and so you're envious and have a grievance.

But for me, that "attention" was extremely detrimental to my self esteem, emotional and mental well being. Spiritual well being too.

I've got to write that article about how fucking dumb the trope of the teenage girl is. You get a different perspective when you see your daughters and granddaughters go through it. It's pretty wild.

Anyway.

It was dehumanizing, scary at times, disgusting at others, and overall not enjoyable at all. I didn't feel "feminine power" or any of that bullshit.

There was no validation in that. There can't ever be. That's not what validation is.