Ellen Ridsdale

"I don't have to rely on other people to be happy. I can make my own happiness...which makes happiness with other people so much better."

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3 May 2017: Ellen Ridsdale shares her ups and downs with relationships, taking on responsibility and growing up at a young age, and finding confidence in herself despite the unpredictability of life. Plus, she reveals her ideal type of guy so have a listen and see if you match the criteria! ;) Click 'play' on the YouTube video below to listen to her amazing story.

Reflections on my Conversation: Ellen is another one of my "Fresher's Week Friends", the ones they tell you you won't be friends with a couple days after fresher's finishes but lucky for me that did not happen. Besides being the life of the party and glue of the group, Ellen is also one of the strongest people I know and chatting with her only reiterated that. I think so many people can relate to her feelings of worthlessness as a teen, especially as it relates to how men see us as women. As women, we're socialized to derive our worth out of our sex appeal and it can be so hard to break out of that skewed way of seeing ourselves. Between dealing with an abusive boyfriend, friends that didn't fully understand the relationship, and the backlash of that on her confidence, Ellen still charges forward and opens herself up to friendship and love and forgiveness, which frankly, is so fucking brave. Her takeaway: yes, being around others and receiving appreciation from others feels great, but she doesn't require it for her happiness anymore. Let me be clear: This. Is. Huge. Learning to stand up for yourself and recognize your worth is invaluable, but it also requires constant work and attention. It isn't a given and it does go through its ups and downs. Thank you, Ellen for reminding me and others of this essential quality of life. What are your thoughts on Ellen's wonderfully real and honest story? What do you most connect with her on?