Sometimes, the most powerful stories come from the everyday experiences of women—and in this case, from the honest and heartfelt comics of Lainey Molnar. Through her illustrations, she tackles societal pressures, body image, relationships, and the expectations placed on women, offering insight, humor, and empathy in equal measure. Her work resonates with readers because it reflects real challenges, sparks important conversations, and celebrates the freedom to embrace one’s true self.
Bored Panda readers have admired Lainey’s comics for their honesty and relatability, making many of her posts some of the most loved and shared on our site. To honor her incredible work, we’ve gathered a selection of Lainey’s very best illustrations—so scroll down and enjoy this collection of empowering, thought-provoking, and unforgettable moments from her series!
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Lainey Molnar often reflects on the pressures society places on women and how these expectations can prevent people from living authentically. She says, “Personal life decisions that don’t hurt anyone are not right or wrong, they’re simply… personal.” For her, it’s important to challenge these norms and embrace a life that aligns with one’s true self rather than the milestones dictated by others.
Many people don't understand that weight isn't only a "laziness" factor. It can be genetic, medical, situational, stress induced... So don't judge fat people just by seeing us.
She also talks about the double standards women face daily. As she explains, “Like when a man has body hair, it’s completely normal, but when a woman doesn’t shave her armpit hair, it’s suddenly ‘unhygienic’.” Molnar encourages awareness of these societal biases and hopes to spark conversations that help people see and question ingrained assumptions.
A major part of Lainey’s work revolves around healing and self-reflection. She notes, “It’s very important to continually deprogram ourselves from things that are not true, and in some cases even harmful… find ways to heal ourselves from the harm that modern life may cause.” She believes personal growth and self-compassion are crucial tools for navigating the challenges imposed by society and culture.
I like this analogy. Restaurants are also far harder than people think.
Lainey also values the sense of community and dialogue her work inspires. She shares, “This is the kind of ripple effect I aim for with everything I do… I just start the conversation, but how it unfolds is fascinating.” For her, creating spaces where women can support, share, and learn from one another is just as important as challenging societal expectations themselves.
The exact opposite can be true too. I hate children and have three I love more than anything. Except the cats.
Oh I'm judging her, alright. Judging her for getting to this point without realizing he's a child that can't mind his business. Get that lil boy out your house!
I promise you the top on is not true, it’s only true if you break your leg, or have something acute. Have a physical, long term illness or anything “hidden” regardless of whether it’s physical, mental, systemic, crosses into both sides, and as I’m sure many others can relate, you won’t get any help, empathy or support in the same way as an acute injury.
💯 I don’t have to do something just because somebody else wants me to, or “thinks I would be good at it.”
I've been in square number 4. However today I made bacon, black garlic and bourbon chutney, so a very good day ☺️
Unfortunately true. Reminds me of a pet foolery comic I saw on webtoon…
And the biggest punishment of all? Society’s harassment, if you don’t want to have children and manage to successfully prevent them, while still having a good sėx life.
My husband is so good at this. If I start ranting or raging about something, he just simply asks if I want his help or if I just want to vent.
Well it's Mr Auntriarch's birthday today, so he's on the list. Edit: thanks to everyone 😍
Why an engagement ring? Not really a thing over here, and when I see that in movies a girl gets a ring, it always gives me "you're ringed now, so you're mine" vibes. Totally different from both partners wearing a wedding ring.
No, society does not expect this. These are almost exclusively biased narratives that don't actually have a basis in today's reality--maybe they were true decades ago, or in small pockets of certain cultures. And it ignores the fact that men, too have unrealistic expectations from society. Must we always be trying to put one group of people or another down? How about a list of here's what society used to expect of women--but don't anymore.
No, society does not expect this. These are almost exclusively biased narratives that don't actually have a basis in today's reality--maybe they were true decades ago, or in small pockets of certain cultures. And it ignores the fact that men, too have unrealistic expectations from society. Must we always be trying to put one group of people or another down? How about a list of here's what society used to expect of women--but don't anymore.
