Demure No More

a poem by Libby Sternberg

Let’s retire “demure,” shall we?
And by “we” I mean all women who are:

…Fierce
…Strong
…Outspoken
…Intelligent
…Persistent
…Confident

A man once compared me to another woman he called “demure.”
Not in a good way.

Get Libby Malin Sternberg’s stories in your inbox

Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.

Remember me for faster sign in

She was demure. I was not.

To demure women everywhere, I say:
You are free. Free to be:

…Fierce
…Strong
…Outspoken
…Intelligent
…Persistent
… Confident

And much, much more. You don’t need to hang on to that man’s — any man’s — false compliment.

He’s not really calling you demure, my love.
He’s calling you submissive.

Let’s retire “demure,” shall we?