The myth of the 'good' feminist says you must be perfect—read all the right books, attend every protest, never make mistakes. But perfectionism is a tool of oppression designed to keep us small and burnt out. Real feminism is messy, imperfect, and liberating.

It's mid-November and your mom asks if you'll be home for Thanksgiving. Your stomach drops. The thought of sitting at that table again—pretending everything's fine—feels unbearable. But the guilt? That feels unbearable too. Here's what a therapist wants you to know: you don't have to go.