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People are different; it's no profound secret. And so, from time to time, we make wrong assumptions about each other based on our experiences, beliefs, and values.

Today, instead of focusing on the overly broad topic of wrong assumptions, let's make it a little less niche and just talk about what wrong things men believed about women until they were proven wrong. Even with this narrowing, it's still a rather broad topic, which only means that we have plenty of interesting takes to read today. So, let's jump in!

More info: Reddit

#1

Woman smiling behind counter in coffee shop, challenging common assumptions about women. That just because they're friendly it doesn't mean they want to bear your child.

StationOk7229 , lookstudio Report

Lee Gilliland
Community Member
Premium
7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or even like you. Especially waitresses, female bartenders and women in shops. We're paid to be polite. We are not interested in going to bed with you.

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    #2

    Couple sitting closely on a couch, wearing cozy sweaters, addressing common assumptions about women. That expressing strong emotions means we're now incapable of rational thought and should therefore be ignored. Yes, I'm crying. I'm crying because I'm upset, but I'll still be able to set out for you the how, when, why, and what I'd appreciate moving forward.

    With some men, it's like they see tears and there's a loud, authoritative voice that booms in their heads, "She's emotional. Nothing she says makes sense from this moment on." On the flip side, if we force down our feelings to speak calmly, those same men will also hear a voice saying, "Well, she doesn't look all that bothered, so this probably doesn't matter much.".

    IllustriousAd3002 , freepik Report

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    #3

    Man in sunglasses discussing assumptions about women, seated in a modern setting with a maroon shirt. Basically anything a man in an online video is saying about women as a whole

    He is not trying to help you get dates. He is trying to make you bitter and miserable so you keep failing, so you come back and give him views and/or money. Very few women want to be treated like a commodity or disrespected so stop listening to men telling you to disrespect women.

    mothwhimsy , Samuel Leeds Report

    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The manosphere is ruining men + they don't even realize it. They think *women* are the problem cuz the TateTwatTwins said so.

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    On a human level, men and women are the same. We are all just humans who deserve equal rights, opportunities, and other things like that. Hopefully, you get the gist. 

    At the same time, there are some distinct differences between them (whose existence doesn’t permit discrimination!). For instance, men and women have some biological differences, most notably with the reproductive system. It should be noted when we bring this up that we only have differences between sexes in mind; we are not talking about various gender identities; that’s a whole other topic. 

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    #4

    Buzz Lightyear stands in front of toy boxes, reflecting on assumptions about identity and expectations. That all women are the same. "Women want," how about you talk to the woman you're actually trying to pursue?

    chillipow_ , Pixar Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Men assume all women are the same. Then complain about how inconsistent women are.

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    #5

    Woman in beige clothing holding a pregnancy test, reflecting common assumptions about women. That taking birth control is always a safe option for women.

    It's not! Birth control can have serious effects on our hormones. It can cause blood clots. IUD's are painful to get put in and removed. Pills can lead to hormone withdrawals, causing major migraines and uncontrollable mood fluctuations.

    There is a danger to birth control.

    victrasuva , freepik Report

    Austzn
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Vasectomies are so simple and easy. There are different methods too so you can choose how permeant you'd like the odds to be. Again "men", the procedure is so simple and easy.

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    #6

    Woman relaxing on a white bed, wearing beige lingerie, in a serene bedroom setting with soft natural light. When she comes fully waxed, lotioned up, in a matching bra/panty set, and they think they’re slick for charming her into hooking up.

    Do you really think we go about our day to day lives like that. She came prepared. At that point, you didn’t f**k her, she f****d you.

    clickbaitscammer , freepik Report

    Austzn
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I once had some random dude tell me something along these lines of this one; "It's ok for women to wear men's clothes because they're still attractive to men as women but it isn't ok for men to wear women's clothes because they are designed to make the female body attractive to men. So if a man wears it he's tempting other men into being gay." I WISH I was making this up.

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    Not to mention the gender (or sexes) roles that are very prevalent in society even nowadays. From the time girls and boys are little, they are told that certain things can be done only by one of the sexes or that they have to act in a certain manner that’s expected of their gender, and not the other way around. 

    With time, such toxic lessons get ingrained in the mind, and gender norms become prevalent within people, even if they’re nonsensical. In fact, Wikipedia is listed as a phenomenon that belongs under the umbrella of discrimination discourse.

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    #7

    A woman sitting with crossed legs on a blanket, challenging assumptions about women's body hair. That we're hairless. Most, if not all, of us have hair. EVERYWHERE. Yes, hairy women exist. We're not dirty, or single, or insane. We're literally humans. I don't understand how men pick on women for having peach fuzz, hair on their backs, hair on their buttocks, etc. Some men think women come as they're shown in [adult media].

    lexilexi1901 , freepik Report

    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Best thing about menopause? Only have to shave my legs once a week. Unfortunately, it also means less hair on my head. *Sigh*

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    #8

    Woman tending to a campfire outdoors, challenging assumptions about women and survival skills. I saw a video of a man just enjoying a bonfire on his own... There were comments like "women would never understand".

    Not me with my bonfire sitting out alone in the backyard. Nothing like building a good a*s bonfire, it touches a primitive feeling.

    Cautious_Ice_884 , freepik Report

    Firstname Lastname
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I, woman, would gladly sit there and poke it with a stick.

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    #9

    Woman holding a baby, looking stressed while sitting on a couch, illustrating common assumptions about women. That certain things traditionally done by women are easier for us, like no it’s not easier for me to stay up all night with the baby, not easier for me to juggle work with taking care of kids.

    NectarineJaded598 , user18526052 Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Women doing those things is easier. For men.

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    Sadly, this drives quite a rift between the sexes in society, which leads to some misunderstandings from time to time. For example, one party has wrong assumptions about the other. 

    That’s what today’s list is about – wrong assumptions. To be more specific, men assumed incorrect things about women and, fortunately, were shown how inaccurate their beliefs were. 

    #10

    Couple embracing in soft light, representing common assumptions about women. Men think women are as visual as them. We're not.

    I saw a video a while back that had a very stereotypical "cowboy" dancing with his lady, holding her tenderly, spinning her round gently, and looking so in love. Of course, the comment section was filled with women saying they wished they had a man like that, only for loads of men to upload videos as a response with them dressed as cowboys.

    We didn't like the video because the man was dressed like a cowboy. We liked the video because of how sweet and tender he was.

    imjustheretodisagree , freepik Report

    Ellinor
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Perfect example is that I would rather date Jack Black than Brad Pitt.

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    #11

    A couple sitting closely on a bed with decorative lights in the background, illustrating common assumptions about women. That dating is entertainment. It’s not. It’s a lot of work. And men aren’t competing with other men. They’re competing with the sense of peace and freedom women have when they’re not in a relationship. Unless you bring that peace, comfort and freedom to the table, she won’t stay. Doesn’t matter how good the [intercourse] is.

    Edit- Wow… just wow. I gave a really simple answer on a very nuanced topic. And it 100% goes both ways. One person’s freedom is another person’s jail. I think most people just want peace, connection and kindness in their lives, however that looks for them. And honestly, I hope everyone finds it for themselves. The world could use some more joy and peace these days….

    Sea_Wall_3099 , freepik Report

    Kat Alison
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wish I could upvote this 100,000 times. Dating SÛCKS.

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    #12

    Couple in a kitchen; man embracing woman, highlighting common assumptions about women that may be misunderstood. That’s it’s ok to touch us for no reason. We never asked for your hand on our back yo.

    Professional_Plan_54 , val-suprunovich Report

    Queenie G
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't want a stranger or casual acquaintance to touch me for no reason but my partner? Yes, touch my arm when you pass by in the kitchen. Give me a kiss on the cheek or on top of my head. Pat me on the butt! LOL

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    In this collection of short stories, you will find things like men believing that all women are basically the same or that they’re basically different species from men. Of course, there’s a story about a man believing that all women are gold diggers, too. 

    We hopefully don’t have to tell you that such an idea is nonsense, do we? But have you ever wondered where it even comes from? After all, not all women are those so-called gold diggers. Actually, men are more likely to be them than women, and yet the stereotype is more prevalent in women.  

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    Well, someone on Reddit also wondered about a similar thing and got quite a few interesting theories as answers. We especially liked one of them. 

    #13

    Woman in a headscarf and coat sitting with hands on her head, reflecting common assumptions about women. That being harassed and catcalled are compliments.

    schwarzmalerin , Mikhail Nilov Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guys, never say anything to a woman in public that you wouldn't want a man saying to you in prison.

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    #14

    Woman appearing frustrated while child sits behind; illustrating common assumptions about women. That we all want kids.

    scharmienkel , Keira Burton Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    7 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most societies try to condition women to want kids - or at least guilt them into it. Fortunately it's possible for a woman to resist this.

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    #15

    Woman confidently flexing arm with symbol tattoo, challenging common assumptions, holding a pink protest sign. That when women say she’s a feminist = I hate men.

    anon , freepik Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A feminist is a women who believes men are capable of growing into their full potential as human beings.

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    Here, someone that’s it’s men basically punching down instead of up. Essentially, patriarchy expects men to be masculine – assertive, financially successful, stable, and all things like that. And so, instead of blaming the system, men blame women for expecting those gender norms of them, dubbing them as gold diggers. 

    Well, that’s just a theory coming from a netizen, but who knows, they might be onto something, right? At once, it’s also one of the wrong assumptions that are featured on this list. So, we encourage you to check out the rest of them, and don’t forget to give out some upvotes!

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    #16

    Man sleeping on a gray couch with a dog, under a rust-colored blanket, highlighting common assumptions about women. That it's our job to make their lives more comfortable.

    MsGrumpalump , Sandra Seitamaa Report

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    #17

    Man and woman sitting back-to-back outdoors, challenging common assumptions about women. That they are almost a completely different species. Men and women are more alike than any side like to admit.

    Plekuz , freepik Report

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It doesn't help to know that the other gender is basically like you when you don't understand yourself in the first place.

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    #18

    Man with towel looking in mirror, reflecting on common assumptions about women. ‘make beauty standards are so hard to meet!! you have to have a ripped body, full 6-pack, 4% body fat. that’s all they want.’

    ‘hey actually a LOT of women (me included) prefer a much more average physique. a ton more women than you would imagine are chubby chasers too.’

    ‘YOU’RE LYING GIRLS DONT LIKE DAD BODS’

    the amount of times this happens.

    at-a-medium-pace- , freepik Report

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We like you soft the same way you like us. Pillows are comforting.

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    #19

    Woman sitting in a sunlit living room, arms wrapped around knees, contemplating common assumptions about women. I wouldn’t say most men get this wrong, I think it’s more of an online issue, but I’ve seen this common idea online that assumes that all women have a strong support system/ don’t deal with loneliness in the way men do, which is not true. I do agree that the way social norms are in our society women are often (not always) better prepared to forge strong emotional bonds, but that doesn’t mean that everyone does, especially when mental illness comes into play.

    External_Wait_2508 , freepik Report

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    #20

    Smiling couple playing video games together, challenging common assumptions about women. That we don't enjoy things they like. I love Pokemon, Reading comics and watching anime.

    anon , freepik Report

    Annabelle
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ah, yes, and the testing of knowledge to prove I "really" like something.

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    #21

    Woman in a stylish black dress on stairs, challenging common assumptions about women. That the reason for dressing nice and wearing makeup is to make them more attractive to men.

    Darkm0or , bristekjegor Report

    Mel in Georgia
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    After retiring I dress up for our all-women book club because I seldom have another reason to. I like to look nice for the ladies!

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    #22

    Couple sharing an intimate moment in bed, challenging common assumptions about women. That women are not as sexual or as interested in [intercourse] as men are.

    Most women pretend to be more vanilla than they actually are in order to avoid judgement, especially in some cultures or countries, but rest assured we can be just as filthy minded (if not worse) than men.

    auramistress , Getty Images Report

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the middle ages, the church dictat on marriage said that a woman who wasn't happy sexually was unlikely to prove a good wife and it was up to the man to keep her satisfied or else. Would that they were still that open minded.

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    #23

    Two people relaxing on a bed, illustrating assumptions about women in a misunderstood context. That we don't crave [intercourse] as much as they do. I'm 40 and ravenous. I see you in those gray sweats.

    Mysterious-Frame-852 , Ketut Subiyanto Report

    Mel in Georgia
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Many women peak in their 30s and 40s. Like a lot of things, it has to do with hormone fluctuations and it differs among individual women. Wish we could control it more than we can!

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    #24

    Woman in lace dress sitting in a red chair, holding a stack of money, challenging common male assumptions. That all women are gold diggers and just into material stuff and will cheat on you. There are women out there but there that do these things but there’s WAY more that don’t. You’re just not looking for the right woman.

    Maximum-Vegetable , freepik Report

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    #25

    Couple holding hands, wearing matching red plaid shirts, walking in a park, challenging assumptions about women. Pretty much any assumption that by nature of being specifically not male, we are intrinsically a particular way. We're just people. We have all the same exact feelings, impulses, struggles, etc.

    reasonarebel , freepik Report

    and_a_touch_of_the_’tism
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean I don’t think we ALL have the same feelings but I think that’s more of an individual thing than a m/f split.

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    #26

    Woman in a mirror selfie wearing a black hat and dress, highlighting assumptions about women. I post thirst traps because I'm vain, not because I'm h***y.

    Such-Swimming2109 , kroshka__nastya Report

    superfluous
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had never heard of a thirst trap! 'A thirst trap is a type of social media post intended to entice viewers sexually.' Wikipedia

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