On Our Best Behavior: A Summary of Key Insights

Chapter 1 What's On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen

"On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women
Pay to Be Good" by Elise Loehnen explores the complex
relationship women have with societal expectations and the
inherent pressures to conform to traditional ideals of goodness.
Loehnen examines the seven deadly sins—pride, envy, wrath, sloth,
greed, gluttony, and lust—arguing that while these traits are
often viewed negatively, they can also serve as powerful
expressions of strength and autonomy for women. Through a blend
of personal anecdotes, cultural analysis, and historical
research, she highlights how these societal norms shape women's
identities and behaviors. Loehnen encourages readers to embrace
their true selves, challenge conventional notions of virtue, and
navigate the balance between being 'good' in a society that often
restricts freedom and authenticity. Her provocative insights aim
to empower women to reclaim their right to express desire,
ambition, and individuality without fear of judgment.
Chapter 2 On Our Best Behavior by Elise Loehnen Summary

"On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Price Women
Pay to Be Good" by Elise Loehnen explores the societal
expectations placed on women and how these pressures can lead to
detrimental effects on their lives, decisions, and well-being.
The book delves into the concept of the Seven Deadly Sins—wrath,
greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony—framing them not
just as moral failings but as a reflection of the ways women's
behavior is policed by culture.


Key Themes and Insights:


Cultural Expectations: Loehnen examines how women are conditioned
to behave in ways that align with traditional notions of
"goodness," often sacrificing their own needs and desires to meet
these unrealistic standards.


Freedom in Authenticity: The author argues that embracing
so-called deadly sins can lead to personal freedom and
authenticity. She encourages readers to redefine what it means to
be "good" and to reject the guilt associated with desires and
behaviors that go against societal norms.


Intersectionality: The book highlights how race, class, and
sexual orientation intersect with gender, complicating the
experience of being a woman in today's world.


Empowerment through Vulnerability: Loehnen shares personal
anecdotes and stories from other women to illustrate the
importance of vulnerability and the strength that comes from
embracing imperfections and complexities in female identities.


Actionable Steps: Throughout the narrative, she provides
actionable steps for women to reclaim their power, encouraging
them to be less concerned with being "nice" and more focused on
being honest and true to themselves, thereby dismantling harmful
societal expectations.


Overall, "On Our Best Behavior" poses challenging questions about
morality and societal norms, urging women to consider the real
costs of striving for perfection and to embrace a more authentic
version of themselves.
Chapter 3 On Our Best Behavior Author

Elise Loehnen is an American author known for her
thought-provoking writing on social commentary and personal
growth. She released her book "On Our Best Behavior: The Seven
Deadly Sins and the Price Women Pay to Be Good" on March 8, 2022.


In this work, Loehnen explores the concept of the seven deadly
sins from a feminist perspective, discussing how societal
expectations and pressures impact women's behavior and
self-perception.


In addition to "On Our Best Behavior," Elise Loehnen has also
contributed to various publications in prominent magazines and is
known for her role as a former Chief Content Officer of Goop,
where she was involved in developing content around wellness and
lifestyle.


While "On Our Best Behavior" is her most recognized book to date,
she has also co-authored or worked on other projects, though
there may not be a significant...