Being a “low-maintenance girl” takes more work than just admitting I have a routine

For years I was weirdly proud of being the girl who “didn’t need much.” I’d say I could get ready in ten minutes, never bought expensive skincare, didn’t care about clothes, and could sleep anywhere with zero preparation. Except none of that was actually true. I still wanted clear skin, decent hair, clean nails, smooth legs, fresh clothes, and to look put together. I just felt embarrassed admitting that any of it took effort, so I tried to make the effort invisible. My supposedly effortless mornings involved washing my hair at night, planning an outfit before bed, using dry shampoo, shaving quickly in the shower, doing five-minute makeup and then telling people I “wasn’t really wearing makeup.” I’d ignore discomfort instead of carrying things I needed because I didn’t want to seem fussy. No jacket because I was “fine,” no snacks because I wasn’t hungry, no bag because I could fit everything in my pockets. Then I’d spend the whole day cold, hungry, uncomfortable and quietly annoyed. Somehow being low maintenance required constant planning so nobody could see me maintaining anything. Lately I’ve started just being honest. I have a skincare routine. I need time to get ready. I bring a bag with water, deodorant, painkillers and whatever else makes my day easier. That doesnt make me dramatic or difficult, it just means I’m a person with preferences. The funny thing is I feel much more relaxed now that I’ve stopped performing effortlessness. Has anyone else realized their “low-maintenance” image was actually exhausting to keep up?