What the Little Mermaid teaches us about relationship anxiety

Have you seen The Little Mermaid? I loved the original that came out in 1989 but haven't seen the newest remake yet. 

Disney sells the story as one where “Ariel, a free-spirited mermaid princess, longs to be part of the human world. After bravely striking a bargain with Ursula, a sneaky sea witch, Ariel embarks on the adventure of a lifetime" (1989 version). And “Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy (2023).

Somehow, they left out the part about how a young woman gives up her friends, family, home, body, and voice to be chosen by a guy with two feet and access to forks who lives on land. 

Ariel only had to change LITERALLY EVERYTHING ABOUT HERSELF to get the guy. 

He just had to fall in love with a pretty girl wearing seashells. 

How convenient. 

If you are a woman who feels anxious in dating, it's no wonder. We have been taught since we were little girls that the goal in life is to be chosen by a boy/guy/man. We're asked about crushes, kisses, prom dates, who we're dating, why we aren't dating, and then, inevitably… “WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO GET MARRIED?!” like this is the ultimate goal we must all strive to achieve. 

You have been socialized for twenty, thirty, forty, fifty years to believe that your purpose in life should be to find a man to pick you. And if a man doesn't pick you, well, then… there must be something wrong with you. 

Da fuk?

There's nothing wrong with you.

You’ve been taught to be stressed and anxious about finding a relationship and that being chosen is the ultimate goal for you as a woman.

I’d like to help you change that.

My mission is to help women stop feeling anxious about dating, relationships, and in the space in between relationships. 

I will help you unpack the social messaging you've received that is causing you to feel anxious in the first place.

I will teach you how to be empowered in your choices. 

That you don't have to wait to be ‘chosen’.

That you don't have to feel anxious about what the other person wants you to be so you can be who you want to be.

 And that life can be full of adventure without changing your entire personhood for someone else. 

Want to have that?! 

Let's get started.