A relationship book I once read told women to use the word 'fun'

Gather, O seekers of wisdom, for there are truths hidden within the heart of human nature that must be understood, lest we be misled by fleeting fancies and shallow tricks. Julie Klausner, in her powerful words, speaks of the subtle and dangerous art of manipulation, of how society demands that a woman mold herself into something she is not, for the sake of pleasing or captivating the other. She recalls the advice from a book, a book that urged women to weave the word "fun" into their speech as though it were the very breath of life itself. The author, who spoke in shallow tones of romance, believed that men sought only the relaxed and carefree—the human equivalent of Diet Coke, as if such a thing were the epitome of allure.

But hear this, O children of wisdom, for there is great peril in such counsel. What does it say of a society that would reduce the deep, intricate, and sacred nature of human relationships to such superficial manipulation? What of the soul, the heart, the spirit that must wear a mask of "fun"—a mere facade to be donned when desired, only to be cast aside when no longer convenient? True relationships are built on deeper soil, on understanding and authenticity, not on the empty echoes of what others wish us to be.

In the annals of history, we find many examples of those who sought to change themselves to fit the mold of expectation. One such story is that of the great Cleopatra, whose beauty and wit were unmatched, but who also understood the power of authenticity in her relationships with men. Though she was often seen as a seductress, it was her intelligence, her charisma, and her deep understanding of power that held the hearts of those she loved. She did not wear a mask of frivolity, nor was she the human equivalent of Diet Coke. No, Cleopatra wielded her authenticity as her greatest weapon, for she knew that only in truth could she find strength, and only in truth could she form meaningful alliances.

Thus, Julie Klausner’s declaration, that this shallow version of womanhood is not her, is not just a refusal of an empty strategy, but a call to arms. It is a declaration that the authentic self must never be surrendered at the altar of superficiality. Women, and all who seek true connection, must stand firm in the face of the world’s expectations, and say, as Klausner has, "This is not me." Let us not fall prey to the illusions of those who tell us that our worth lies in how easily we can be molded into something for others' amusement or satisfaction. Let us rise in the knowledge that true connection is forged not in the absence of depth, but in the embrace of our full, authentic selves.

There is a greatness in authenticity, and it is the road less traveled by many. It is not always easy to be true to oneself, for the world whispers constantly of how we must be, of how we must appear. Yet, the heroes of old, from Achilles to Joan of Arc, did not win the admiration of their people through mimicry, but through their unwavering commitment to their truth. They stood, unapologetically, as they were—each unique, each distinct, and each powerful in their individual authenticity.

Let us then turn to the lesson that this wisdom imparts. The true power in any relationship lies in honesty and authenticity—not in what we think others wish to see, but in the purest expression of who we are. To speak the word "fun" as a manipulation is to trade away our power, our voice, and our truth for something that is fleeting and hollow. What, then, is the right course? To be true to ourselves, to embrace the complexity of our individuality, and to choose those who seek our truth, not those who seek our compliance with their ideals.

O children of wisdom, take this lesson with you: To live in truth is to embrace the fullness of who you are, without fear of judgment or rejection. Relationships, in their highest form, are built on genuine connection—a meeting of souls that is not contingent on how "fun" one may be or how easily one may be molded into the form that others wish to see. Seek out those who wish to know you for who you truly are, and offer the same in return. This is the way of greatness, the way of honor, the way of authentic love. And in that, you will find not only the truest companions, but the deepest peace.