“Girls have to be strong to protect the men they love.”

“Many strong girls have similar stories: They were socially isolated and lonely in adolescence. Smart girls are often the girls most rejected by peers. Their strength is a threat and they are punished for being different. Girls who are unattractive or who don't worry about their appearance are scorned. This isolation is often a blessing because it allows girls to develop a strong sense of self. Girls who are isolated emerge from adolescence more independent and self-sufficient than girls who have been accepted by others. Strong girls may protect themselves by being quiet and guarded so that their rebellion is known by only a few trusted others. They may be cranky and irascible and keep critics at a distance so that only people who love them know what they are up to. They may have the knack of shrugging off the opinions of others or they may use humor to deflect the hostility that comes their way.”

“Girls have white wings. The wings with which to protect their loved ones. I'm going to embrace you with those wings.”

“Many men admire strong women but they don't love them. Some women succeed at being strong and also tender, but most of those who have intended to walk alone, making their own way, have lost their happiness.”

“Men were born to protect and love, and our women help us to serve a higher purpose.”

“You’re also good at protecting and as such you became the woman you needed to be to protect the best part of yourself. The submissive little girl within who wants to play and trust and love and be loved in return without fear. Rene Tanner, Reclaimed Surrender”