I played a character for most of the time I was a Mormon. In highschool I was "taught" by my friends (and my friend's copy of "Fascinating Womanhood" -- as well as the daily reaction to my "tomboyishness") that men don't like women who are too strong or too weak, but, like the baby bear's poridge, "Just right".

I borrowed the silly giggle of our most popular cheerleader and created a very "girly girl" who wore puffy sleeved dresses and was ultra "feminine".

I played that part for about 15 years because it "worked" as far as making me more attractive to men (in spite of the "real" me leaking out occasionally) but it sucked my soul and led to nervous breakdowns and suicidal thoughts.

I went to the other extreme for a few years, playing "vampy-tough" for a while and refusing to knit, sew, cook or do anything "feminine".

Having had the good fortune to be loved by someone who enjoys watching me "evolve" I'm gradually managing to find more of a balance.