In her book "Bad Feminist," author Roxane Gay reflects on societal perceptions of women and how they are often judged based on likability. From an early age, she recognized that a girl's unlikable traits could label her as problematic in the eyes of others. This realization highlights the pressures women face to conform to expectations of being pleasant and agreeable.

Gay's observation underscores the broader theme of gender inequality and the challenges women encounter in navigating social dynamics. The expectation for women to be liked can limit their authenticity and complicate their experiences, prompting a critical examination of how society views female behavior.