Tracee Ellis Ross, the acclaimed actress and daughter of legendary musician Diana Ross, has lived much of her life in the public eye. As she reaches 52, societal expectations surrounding her relationship status and whether she has children continue to shape how her life is perceived. Despite her immense success, including several seasons on the award-winning series “Black-ish” and founding the successful haircare brand Pattern, Ross faces regular scrutiny for not being married or having children.
In a recent interview at the New York Times Well Festival, Ross shared how these external expectations once limited her perception of what was possible. She reflected on how societal pressures undermined her sense of worth, joy, and self-esteem. However, she has since come to realize that these expectations were based on someone else’s ideals, and while they still occasionally affect her, she has worked to understand that they don’t define her value.
As more people are choosing to delay parenthood or forgo it altogether, there is also a rise in movements like the trad-wife culture, where women embrace homemaking and family life as their central role. Ross has noticed this cultural shift, and she addressed the growing emphasis on the traditional nuclear family. Yet, she firmly believes that her life is not any less valuable because she does not conform to these traditional roles.
Despite not having children of her own, Ross emphasized the importance of the motherly role she plays in others’ lives. She’s created a supportive family within her close-knit social circles and feels deeply fulfilled by the relationships she has nurtured. Ross believes she “mothers all over the place,” offering love and care to those she holds dear.
In her reflections, Ross encourages others to reject narrow definitions of success and fulfillment, pointing out that a meaningful life does not depend on following conventional paths. She finds worth in her accomplishments, relationships, and ability to care for others, making it clear that she is content with the life she has built on her own terms.
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