The Internet Tells Women to Leave — Then Gets Angry When They Actually Move On

For years, Cardi B faced public criticism over her relationship with Offset. Every time reports and controversies surrounding their relationship surfaced, people had plenty to say. Some told her to leave. Others criticized her whenever she chose to stay and work through her marriage.

Now, as Cardi publicly appears to be moving forward, the conversation has changed again.

Suddenly, people are questioning her choices, comparing her new relationship to her past, and acting as though she must meet everyone else's standards before she is allowed to find happiness.

That is the problem.

Women are often given impossible rules when it comes to relationships. First, they are told, “You should have left.” Then, when they finally move on, people say they moved too quickly. If they choose someone new, strangers suddenly become relationship experts and demand to know why they chose that particular person.

Ciara has faced similar conversations after moving forward with Russell Wilson. Even years later, some critics continue questioning and criticizing a man who has openly expressed love and support for his wife.

The truth is simple: women are allowed to learn from painful experiences. They are allowed to change their standards. They are allowed to choose differently after discovering what they do and do not want.

Moving on is not a crime.

Choosing a new relationship is not hypocrisy.

And learning from the past should never be treated as something a woman needs to apologize for.

Perhaps the real problem is that some people are comfortable watching women endure unhappiness—but become uncomfortable when those same women finally decide they deserve something better.