I am a woman

I am a woman.
what does that mean?

be feminine.
don't be masculine.
be discreet.
be gentle.
dress like a woman.
but don't dress in a way that points out that you're a woman.
but be a woman.
don't be a man.
except if you get the chance to lead.
don't lead like a woman.
lead like a man.
don't be passionate.
don't be compassionate.
don't be emotional.
but stay a woman.
don't be honest.
don't ask questions.
don't have an opinion. 
don't talk like a man.
but if you want to be heard, talk like a man, but not like a man.
be gentle and respectful.
don't be direct.
don't take anything personally.
don't get defensive.
don't get upset.
don't sound upset.
smile when you're overlooked.
smile when you're overlooked again.
smile when you're overlooked again.
laugh when a man cracks a joke about women.
laugh when "like a girl" is used as an insult toward a man.
hold your head up high.
but don't be too confident.
be straightforward in a roundabout way.
lead women and children, not men.
you are not a man.
be like a man.
don't be too affectionate.
don't hug.
don't love.
don't weep.
don't feel.
don't comfort.
don't be a woman.
but be a woman.

the list of do's and don'ts.
it never ends.
and constantly changes.

I am a woman.
I am fierce.
I am strong.
I am soft.
I am bursting with ideas.
I am wise.
I am a mother.
I am hurt.
I am healed.
I am unsure.
I am determined.
I am creative.
I am passionate.
I am right.
I am not always right.
I am loved.
I am not alone.
I am beautiful.
I am compassionate.
I am emotional.
I am logical.
I am intelligent.
I am learning.
I am human.
I am valuable.
I am a woman.