From a young age, girls are socialized to accept certain expectations and behaviors tied to their gender. Initially, these lessons about femininity are absorbed without question, as children are not aware of the underlying implications or biases involved. The teachings regarding how to embody femininity become a part of their identity as they navigate growing up.

As girls mature, they start to recognize the societal 'score sheet' detailing the costs of these lessons, including the pressures and sacrifices associated with their gender. This realization highlights the burden of conforming to gender norms and the complexities of womanhood in a culture that often enforces rigid roles. Roxane Gay’s observations in "Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture" illustrate the profound impact of these early teachings on a girl's understanding of her value and identity.