Grace Kelly, the American actress who became Princess of Monaco.

In reflecting on my natural inclination toward transparency, I find myself questioning whether sharing is always the best course of action. So far, I’ve rarely seen positive outcomes from laying my cards on the table, philosophizing openly, or being the proverbial "eye of the boulder." So, for any moments of overt frustration, I offer my apologies. My true goal is to provide a nonpartisan perspective, as I don’t feel aligned with any particular political party. In truth, I believe most people are inherently good, but they’re trapped in bad circumstances.

With that in mind, I want to shift the tone, lighten things up, and dive into a bit of real history—particularly stories that inspired the beloved Disney princesses. One fascinating tale is that of Grace Kelly, the Hollywood actress who became the real-life Princess of Monaco. Her journey from film star to royalty undoubtedly influenced the modern princess archetype we see in Disney films.

As I reflect, I recognize there’s a risk in lightening the mood—it could be seen as weakness, especially by those who tend to view the world through a more cynical lens. However, it's a reminder that different approaches—whether serious or lighthearted—are all part of navigating the complexities of life. Interestingly, my recent dive into biochemistry uncovered a curious fact: during menstruation, a woman’s hormonal state actually mirrors a man's natural baseline more closely than at any other time.

Let me explain.

The menstrual cycle is a fluctuation of hormones, mainly estrogen and progesterone, and during the luteal phase (just before menstruation), these hormones drop significantly. This low-hormone state is almost akin to the average hormonal environment men experience regularly, where testosterone tends to dominate but remains more stable overall.

In other words, women, during their period, are hormonally more similar to men than at other phases of their cycle. This could help explain certain mood fluctuations or emotional experiences that both sexes face, yet men may have conditioned themselves to handle regularly. The idea makes sense when we recognize that hormone cycles influence behavior, cognition, and emotional regulation.

It’s curious to think about how much of our behavior, and even how we interpret "strength" or "weakness," is influenced by these invisible biochemical factors. Perhaps it’s not a matter of mood being a weakness at all but simply different phases of human existence—something we all move through in one way or another.

As I reflect on the dynamics of perception, I understand the potential risks of lightening the mood in serious discussions. In particular, this shift can be misconstrued as a sign of a mans menstruations, by again by those who adopt a more cynical worldview, steeped in societal expectations of stoicism or emotional restraint. However, such an interpretation often overlooks the complex biological factors that influence emotional and behavioral states in both men and women. Simple chimps is the deal.

A deeper look into biochemistry reveals fascinating parallels between the hormonal fluctuations women experience during menstruation and the more stable hormonal state that men typically maintain. During the menstrual cycle, particularly in the luteal phase just before menstruation, the levels of estrogen and progesterone drop significantly, bringing women into what could be described as a low-hormone state. According to research, this phase makes their hormonal profile more similar to that of men, whose testosterone levels remain relatively stable over time, with only minor fluctuations across the day (Davis & Jacobson, 2020).

This phenomenon raises important considerations in the study of behavioral endocrinology. Testosterone, a key hormone in men, is linked to assertiveness, energy, and mood stability, while in women, the hormonal shifts driven by estrogen and progesterone are more cyclic, leading to varied emotional and cognitive experiences throughout the month (Sellix & Menaker, 2010). During the low-hormone phase of menstruation, women are more aligned with the hormonal environment that men experience regularly. This hormonal state, which has historically been associated with perceived irritability or emotional volatility in women, might actually reflect a similar baseline that men face daily, albeit with less societal scrutiny (Bancroft, 2003).

From an evolutionary perspective, this hormonal synchronization during menstruation is not inherently "weak" or indicative of instability; rather, it represents a different phase of human biological rhythms. Hormones such as testosterone and cortisol regulate behaviors tied to competition, mood, and energy levels in both sexes, but the cyclical nature of female hormones adds another layer of complexity to the emotional landscape (Reed et al., 2018). The notion of "weakness" may, in fact, stem from outdated cultural norms that do not take into account the nuanced understanding of how biochemistry influences behavior across gender lines.

Thus, the differences in hormonal cycles between men and women should be viewed through a more informed and scholarly lens. Rather than emphasizing a dichotomy of strength versus weakness, understanding these biological rhythms helps in recognizing that each gender navigates distinct biochemical states that influence their emotional and cognitive experiences. It is not a matter of weakness, but rather of variation, and these variations play a critical role in the human experience, shaping everything from emotional responses to behavioral patterns (Mendle, 2014).

Before Meghan Markle, there was Grace Kelly—a true Hollywood icon. Born in 1929, Grace Kelly was a successful actress. But her life took a fairy-tale turn when she met Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1955. They met during the Cannes Film Festival, and their whirlwind romance culminated in one of the most famous weddings in history.

Grace Kelly's transition from an American actress to Princess of Monaco is a story that resonates with the aspirational themes seen in Disney princesses. Born into a wealthy Philadelphia family, Grace became one of the most famous actresses in the 1950s, known for her roles in Rear Window and To Catch a Thief. But her life changed completely after she met Prince Rainier III of Monaco during the Cannes Film Festival in 1955. Their whirlwind romance, marriage, and her role as princess brought fairy tales to life in modern times.

Kelly became a global icon of elegance, embodying the grace and responsibility that Disney often portrays in its royal characters, such as Cinderella and Aurora. Much like these characters, Grace had to adapt to a new life filled with duty, diplomacy, and service to others. Yet, she remained committed to her humanitarian efforts, making her not just a figure of beauty, but one of compassion and strength.

Grace Kelly’s transformation from movie star to princess inspired a generation of women, blending the magic of old Hollywood glamour with the reality of royal life. Her elegant style, poise, and kindness made her the quintessential "princess," both on-screen and off. She gave up her acting career to become Princess Grace of Monaco, focusing on her family and philanthropic work.

This real-life tale of a commoner-turned-princess inspired elements of Disney’s modern princess narratives, particularly those involving characters like Cinderella or Princess Tiana—stories where a woman from humble beginnings rises to royalty through charm, grace, and love.

Another real-life princess who inspired Disney princess tales is ‘Pocahontas’, whose story—though often romanticized and altered—did influence Disney’s portrayal of her in the animated film.

The real Pocahontas was the daughter of Powhatan, a powerful Native American chief. Her real name was ‘Amonute’, though she was called ‘Matoaka’; “Pocahontas” was a nickname meaning "playful one." In history, Pocahontas became famous for her association with the English settlers, particularly her legendary act of saving John Smith’s life in 1607, though this story has been debated by historians.

She later traveled to England after marrying settler John Rolfe and was presented to English society as an example of the "civilized savage." Tragically, she died at the young age of 21. Although Disney’s version takes significant creative liberties, Pocahontas’ real story, her bravery, and her cultural importance shaped the Disney character we know today.

While not directly linked to any specific Disney character, Grace Kelly's story reflects the themes we see in Disney princess tales, and the haters need to just shut it. Learn to love more. The idea of transformation, leaving behind a former life, and stepping into a world of royalty, all while maintaining grace and dignity. Her life served as an inspiration for the idea that anyone—whether a Hollywood star or a commoner—could step into the shoes of a princess, much like Cinderella or Belle.

Grace Kelly’s real-life journey resonates with Disney’s portrayal of princesses as symbols of grace, courage, and change, making her a true-life inspiration behind the princess narratives we adore today.

Sources:

- Bancroft, J. (2003). The hormonal regulation of human sexual behavior. Behavioral Endocrinology, 2nd ed.

- Davis, S. R., & Jacobson, E. (2020). Testosterone in women: Current perspectives on therapy. Endocrine Reviews.

- Mendle, J. (2014). Beyond puberty: The changing nature of hormonal influence on adolescent behavior. Current Directions in Psychological Science.

- Reed, B. G., et al. (2018). Hormones and behavior across the menstrual cycle. Hormones and Behavior.

- Sellix, M. T., & Menaker, M. (2010). Circadian rhythms and hormonal cycles in women: The biological foundations of timing. Chronobiology International.

- "Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco," ‘Biography’.

- "How Grace Kelly Became the Princess of Monaco," ‘Town & Country’.