Caren Krutsinger Poet Free verse

Raised To Be Compliant

We got confused
They could hurt our feelings
But we were not supposed to hurt theirs

They could do evil things to us
And we were supposed to turn our cheek
Allow them to increase their target

We were supposed to be doormats
And allow them to wipe their steel toed boots on us
We did not question it; socialized the way we were

By a woman
Who would not have tolerated
Any misbehaviors from others.

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Gershon Wolf September 8, 2021 at 7:53 PM Strange, these inconsistencies, aren't they?! So true too, Caren. :) gw Caren Krutsinger September 9, 2021 at 8:46 AM My sister and I both got the message that "good Christians" are doormats and yet our mother would have not been a doormat for anyone.

Joseph P. DiMino September 8, 2021 at 7:28 PM Where are all these compliant women? I have yet to meet one:) Kidding aside, very well written, and a positive message. Brava! Caren Krutsinger September 8, 2021 at 7:43 PM Thank you Joe; you may kid me all you want. It is fine; I appreciate your visit my friend.

Virginia Gelok September 8, 2021 at 6:05 PM I think a lot of us woman were raised to be compliant. It is such a shame because if one gets the strength to change it often takes many years. I know, I WAS that person. Caren Krutsinger September 8, 2021 at 7:21 PM I took a assertiveness training class and they pointed out how rapidly I switched from passive to aggressive skipping assertive.

L Milton Hankins September 7, 2021 at 7:34 PM Hmmm...most interesting. You are so right about this, Caren. Soooo, today, I decided to stop allowing someone to harass me (and a couple of others, too) on Poetry Soup! Good for me! You know me well enough to know that I am very thoughtful, kind, and considerate of others, but...I've had it with this troll~! Caren Krutsinger September 8, 2021 at 7:20 PM How horrible!