So quit calling yourself one! It’s like a hypothetical gut punch every time I hear a woman refer to themselves or their friends as bitches. Ladies, come on.

I get it, you want to take that word back. It’s a power play and you’re owning it. Why? What’s there to own about being a bitch?

When I think of the word bitch, I think rude, angry, bossy, insensitive, loud and just plain mean.

I don’t think strong, independent, kind, competent, collaborative, friendly.

Does Wonder Woman think she’s a bitch? What about Michelle Obama? Are you going to call her a bitch? I don’t think you should.

Consider this: When guys hang out together, they don’t say, “I’m going out to hang with my jerks.” They say bros or friends or the guys. Why aren’t we women doing that? “I’m going out with my bitches tonight!” Gross. I don’t have many friends (obviously) but if they started calling me a bitch, I don’t think we’d be hanging out much longer.

I think Tina Fey said it best in Mean Girls:

“…you all have got to stop calling each other [bitches]. It just makes it ok for guys to call you [bitches.]”

Ok, if you’re a big fan of the movie, you know she didn’t say bitches in that scene, but it’s the same sentiment. If you consider yourself and your friends bitches, that gives other people permission to do the same.

I don’t know about you, but I spend a lot of time trying to be a good person who is known for being smart, kind and good at her job. And now you’re calling me a bitch while you ask me to join your book club? No. We can do better. Friends? Girls? Lovelies? Sisters?

And yes, I’d love to join your book club.

Photo courtesy of Gratisography