Boys will be boys

“Boys will be boys,” she heard when the boy in kindergarten pulled her ponytail and knocked her to the ground.

“Boys will be boys,” she heard when the boy in preschool stole her glasses and destroyed them.

“Boys will be boys,” she heard when the boy in middle school called her a nerd and threw her backpack in the trash.

“Boys will be boys,” she heard when the boy in high school said she was a bitch and should go back to the kitchen.

And when she fell in love, all she could think was, “boys will be boys,” even when he hit her and she couldn’t breathe anymore.

“Boys will be boys. If a boy hurts you, it means he likes you. You should be grateful for his attention.”

But then suddenly, “You should’ve known better,” “You should have been more careful,” “It’s your fault.”

That boys will be boys.