Madame X

"It is a study in opposition. Sargent shows a woman posing ostentatiously in a black satin dress with jeweled straps, a dress that reveals and hides at the same time. "-http://www.lynetteabel.org/Art.html

I came across this painting when I was wandering through the MET and stopped. I was struck by the beauty, confidence, and uncertainty of this woman. Once I finished contemplating the painting I for some reason felt empowered and more confident in myself as a woman. I think it's because the artist, John Singer Sargent, fully captured the essence of what a woman is. We are beautiful, strong, loving, confident, temperamental, crazy, wonderful, passionate, and insecure. The thing is, when the men we like come around a lot of us start feeling more insecure with ourselves than feeling more confident. Of course it is natural for us to feel insecure at times when we are around somebody we like a lot but if this person continues to make you feel less of a woman then maybe you need to reflect on whether this male companion is the right one for you. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself and happy about life. Make sure you are happy with yourself first and foremost. Don't fall or grovel for the man who makes you feel anything less than lovely, strong, and confident. I am writing about this because a lot of female friends of mine don't always see their own beauty, uniqueness, and strength. Some of them have fallen for the man that makes them feel silly and childish. I want to let you ladies know that you are the most head strong and beautiful women I know and I will not let any one of you step down towards seeing yourself in any type of negative manner! Stop fighting the battle with the man who is more insecure than you, let go, and be yourself. There is no sense in staying with anyone (and this is for men too) who makes you feel as though you can't be yourself. Move on and don't take shit from anyone who makes you feel less special than what you really are. Live life and love it and by portraying this positive energy the right man (or woman) will certainly come your way.