by guest blogger Maya Rodale, author of smart and sassy romance novels
March is Women's History Month, but I say we celebrate the history that is happening right now (otherwise known as the present) by highlighting some of the outstanding women upon whom I have girl crushes.
The Urban Dictionary provides a few definitions of The Girl Crush:
An overwhelming sense of awe felt by a girl for another girl elicited by varying causes ranging from deep respect to unadulterated lust. May result in the any or all of the following: general euphoria, prolonged sense of inspiration, desire for intellectual intercourse with crush, simple sexual arousal, etc.
When a girl has a crush on another girl, but they don't wanna date them. It's more like they wanna be their best friend.
In case you were wondering, The Oxford English Dictionary does not offer a definition--I checked.
What I just love about the concept of the girl crush is that it isn't about being jealous of someone who has qualities you'd like to have. It's noncompetitive. It can be sexual, but it usually isn't. It's just nice...and after the backstabbing and drama of junior high, nice is just the thing.
I'm pretty sure we can all agree on the awesomeness of these ladies:
Girl Crush #1, #2, and #3: Tiny Fey, Amy Poehler, and Maya Rudolph
In addition to being hysterically funny, they seem brainy (without making others feel stupid), they are pretty (without being done-up girls), and above all, they seem normal. They seem like the kind of girls you want to hang out with on a Saturday afternoon. When I need a quick pick-me-up, I google clips of their work just for LOLz.
Fun fact: This trio is the inspiration for the heroines in my next romance series, starting with The Wicked Wallflower.
Girl Crush #4: Hillary Rodham Clinton
The other day I literally made myself cry imagining Hillary being elected the first female president of the USA in 2016. Then I imagined my tweet about it, as one does these days. She exudes a no-nonsense competency and work ethic that make me feel better about everything. Like if she's in charge of something, we don't have to worry because she will work on it until the job is done. And then she has a sense of humor, as demonstrated by trumping the entire meme of Texts from Hillary.
Girl Crush #5: Sheryl Sandberg
Awe. She holds us all to a higher standard. She seems like the tough-love girlfriend who would probably say, "Just ask him out already! Ask for the raise! I don't care if you don't have anything to wear, come out with us!" Or, as she's more famously known for conveying, "Take a seat at the table, ladies. And when you get to the top, use your position to make it easier for everyone else to get there." I have preordered her book Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead. Obvs.
Girl Crush #6: Jennifer Lawrence
Because she tripped on the stairs in front of a billion people and said, "That was embarrassing" and moved on and accepted the Academy Award for best actress with a lovely speech. Also, she makes funny faces, talks about being starving, and when reporters ask her the stupidest questions after her Oscar win she gives sassy, flippant, and funny answers. Watch it here (along with 10 other reasons why she's the best).
It's quite possible that never before, in the history of the world, has there been such an array of high-profile women who are famous for things other than just looks or their love lives. This is an outstanding achievement. But the girl crush isn't confined to famous folks. Hopefully, we all know a few in real life, too.
Who are your girl crushes?
Maya Rodale is the author of multiple historical romance novels, as well as the nonfiction book Dangerous Books for Girls: The Bad Reputation of Romance Novels, Explained. She has a master's degree from New York University and lives in Manhattan with her darling dog and a rogue of her own. Her latest book is Seducing the Single Lady, a historical romance based on Beyoncé songs. Learn more at mayarodale.com
For more from Maria Rodale, go to www.mariasfarmcountrykitchen.com
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
