Characters = Real life?

So, I'm starting to realize that art really does imitate life. I'm sure I've mentioned before my issues with female characters. It's hard to find the right balance between heroic, tough, and independent and feminine, sweet, and fragile. If you waver too far to one side of the fine line, you end up with, you guessed it, a Mary-Sue. And no one wants that.

But I'm starting to see the same issue in my own life. I can't seem to find the balance between being an out-doorish, video-gamer, nerd, who's literally 'one of the guys', and the feminine, dress-wearing and make-up wearing girl who sometimes rises to the surface. Under the right circumstances, it's really fun to be one of the guys. I really enjoy playing ultimate Frisbee, swapping jokes and otherwise proving that I can hold my own against any guy. I could probably, Probably, beat up most of my male friends. But at the same time, I also enjoy being the only girl, the one who's wearing a dress and not trying to prove something.

It's a weird situation...

Though apparently there IS a balance. Guys like girls who play video games, and like action movies. But they also like girls who aren't constantly trying to prove that they can run faster, or whatever.

Oh well...

I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually.

And when I do, I will have discovered the perfect formula for a female character.

I will then let you in on the secret.

Until then, readers!

- Aimee