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Women are constantly being told how to look and how to behave. You must be feminine but not too girly. You have to be pretty, but don’t put too much effort into your appearance. And you have to be thin, but you should still have curves. And of course, all of this is to appease the male gaze

Understandably, these impossible expectations often cause women to develop deep-seated insecurities. But men on Reddit have recently been calling out all of the traits and actions that they want to encourage women to stop being embarrassed by. From tummy rolls to eating in front of others, enjoy scrolling through this list of things that no one should ever feel shame about. And be sure to upvote the replies that hit home for you!

#1

Woman embarrassed, covering face with hands in a cozy sweater, sitting by a plant and white curtain. I remember a girl I brought home once started bleeding thru the night and she was MORTIFIED in the morning(stain on the sheet)..I was just like..it's not that serious. It's not like it's a choice you made.

Bestefarssistemens , Olha Ruskykh Report

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

I appreciate OP's last sentence. So many people think it can be controlled.

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    #2

    Woman in a black top and white pants covering her mouth, expressing embarrassment at sunset. Farts.

    One, I dont give a f**k if you thunderclap the house down with them cheeks.

    This sounds like I have a thing for womens farts, but I really dont. I just know how uncomfortable it can be to keep them in.

    Bring the thunder.

    pyroskunkz , Vinicius Quaresma Report

    #3

    Smiling woman in a purple shirt with glasses on her head, sitting near a lamp, representing things women might find embarrassing. For the older ladies: gray hairs. You earned those, and some of us appreciate experience.

    novacthall , Mikhail Nilov Report

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

    It's not all "older" ladies. I started getting greys by 30. I now have a Rogue style gray patch one side of my bangs, with a few light peppered around my head that isn't as noticeable.

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    #4

    Women enjoying a meal together, smiling and eating, with ambient restaurant lighting in the background. I had a friend in HS who wouldn’t eat in front of guys because it was embarrassing to show her appetite. She was raised with the idea of eating like a normal human being was somehow not ladylike. As a kid it confused me, as an adult I feel bad looking back on it.

    Red_enami , Adrienn Report

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

    Just the whole "ladylike" mentality is burden on us women. I hate that phrase with a solid passion.

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    #5

    Woman in a mint green hoodie holding her stomach, highlighting common insecurities that confuse men. My girlfriend started gaining a bit of belly fat because of her medication, and it used to make her feel anxious. But honestly, I find it really cute. So whenever we’re hugging, I’d gently touch her belly and say, “This is mine, and I love it.” I kept doing that until she eventually stopped stressing about it and just embraced it.

    TowerMurky , Andres Ayrton Report

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

    Excellent way of thinking. She deserves you, and you deserve her.

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    #6

    Woman in a grey tank top and jeans, representing common insecurities women feel that often confuse men. Stretch marks/their bellys. Like chill out girl, I f*****g love them s***s.

    FloatDH2 , Darina Belonogova Report

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

    I wish men would understand that the way we feel about our bodies isn't always about us being worried about a man's opinion, or anyone's for that matter. Sometimes it's us really not happy with how we feel in our clothes. It doesn't make me feel s**y when I'm constantly having to pull my pants up because my boxy hips don't hold them up, even with a belt. So I have to tighten that belt up very tight, so it's digging into my stomach. Then my underwear is also slipping and settles into the fold of my buldgy pelvis that has been there since after I gave birth. That's pretty much the only spot I fear others will talk about, because people may think I have man parts. Other than that, it's all about how I feel in my skin. If we don't feel good in our skin, your compliments and obvious attempts to make us feel better only goes as far as reminding us you don't care what it looks like to you and that our concerns are not valid.

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    #7

    Woman with bold makeup looking at reflection, showcasing an aspect of embarrassment that confuses men. Nails and eyelashes. We don’t care about either and in fact prefer without. Oh and filler.

    Popular-Forever4385 , Marcelo Chagas Report

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

    Any women I've come across does their nails and eyelashes for themselves. We don't do it for guys and that should be okay. In fact, I love it when my guy asks to see my nails when he finds out I got them done and says "They gorgeous".

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    #8

    Woman measuring waist with tape measure, wearing jeans and white top, highlighting things women find embarrassing. As a new father, weight. If you are healthy and happy with how your body looks I don’t care. Live your life, everything we are is borrowed for this short blip of existence.

    Lo_dough , Darina Belonogova Report

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

    All people should feel like this - but how often do we read on here about a man hating his partner's post baby body & either criticizing, shaming or cheating because she doesn't match his ideals any more.

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    #9

    Woman wiping a table, highlighting common actions that confuse men. People seeing your house not being perfectly cleaned.

    Specialist_Pickle675 , cottonbro studio Report

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

    Having seen homes in conditions of both ends of the cleanliness to filthiest spectrums, you could have the the cleanest home and people will be just as uncomfortable to visit as the messiest home. The reason? A very immaculate home suggests there are many rules, perhaps unwritten rules, all must follow to maintain pristineness that leaves guests wondering if it's good idea to sit on the couch, where to put throw pillows and where to rest their drinks. People will not accept invitations for repeat visits, as the first time left them with anxiety. A clean-obsessed person is unlikely to be invited to other's homes for fear of judgement. Messy homes that are not necessarily filthy, just unorganized, make people feel more secure and related that they don't feel so unsure to sit on the couch, place the pillows down on the floor and chill out without the risk of offending the host. There's no need to explain the problem of extremely filthy homes.

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    #10

    Woman in a beige top with a neutral expression, embodying common female insecurities that often confuse men. Being seen without makeup.

    ihavenoclue91 , Polina Tankilevitch Report

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

    Befor covid I wouldn't go the local shop without a full face of makeup and since stopping wearing make up I feel free and just as confident as I did with makeup

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    #11

    Hand reaching to turn on the light switch on a beige wall, highlighting a common scenario many women find embarrassing. Needing the lights off during s*x. i get it, its an insecurity thing with you. But if im at the point where i am sleeping with you, i have a general idea of what your body looks like already (Unless you have a hidden deformity which then i understand). But other than that, if you just have a normal body, i want to see it all, its s**y as hell and make me feel like we are connecting better than just 2 sweaty bodies in the dark.


    also some women very squeemish about being eaten out. girl let me get in there and clean your plate. i wouldnt even be down there in the first place if it smelled bad or if the hair i obviously feel bothered me.

    Over_Deer8459 , Pablo Merchán Montes Report

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

    To be fair, I'm a guy and I got squeamish reading that last paragraph.

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    #12

    Woman smiling confidently, wearing a white shirt, showcasing beauty that confuses men. Snorting when they laugh. It is actually so cute.

    Kaylenz , Thaís Sarmento Report

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

    You laugh. You snort. Then you laugh because you snorted. Perfect.

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    #13

    Woman standing outdoors in casual summer outfit, embodying confidence with a stylish pose amidst nature. Small b***s.

    WillingCaterpillar19 , Manuel Moreno Report

    Just Another Karen
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i was bullied for having small b00bs when i was younger. never cared haha it's easier, my back doesn't hurt, i don't need to wear bras...

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    #14

    Woman with acne, side profile against a beige background, addressing common female insecurities. Acne. I used to date someone who would cancel if she thought she had a pimple that was too bad, when tbh, idgaf and have never once thought about someone else’s acne.

    kjexclamation , Anna Nekrashevich Report

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

    Wtf hasn't gotten pimples in their life?

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    #15

    Woman sneezing into elbow at table, with laptop and thermometer, capturing a moment that may puzzle men. Sneezing naturally.

    Several ladies I know are holding their sneezes in, and it always sounds painful to me. Let ‘er rip.

    Redcarborundum , Mikael Blomkvist Report

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

    Isn't that dangerous? I don't think the sneezing shame is limited to just men doing it to women. A girl in my Home Ec. class made a big sneeze. Our female teacher immediately raised her eyebrows and says "Was that really necessary?" To this day, I've observed other's reactions to big sneezed from women, and still have witnessed other women making a big stink out of it. Never men.

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    #16

    Various women's lingerie items displayed, including lace bras and underwear, highlighting common female embarrassments. Most things.. for example.miss matching underwear...we are seeing your underwear...near future is promising 😁 same with stretch marks, bingo wings, muffin top, untidy lady gardens etc etc LADIES most of us don't care or even register it. We fellas are simple creatures, it's the ones that care you have to worry about. It's controling c**p first shots or they getting lots and picky from bordem.

    Competitive-Green430 , Fahad Waseem Report

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

    What are "bingo wings"? Is that like love handles?

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    #17

    Woman surrounded by clothes in a closet, contemplating common confusions between women and men. Not being dressed the right way to go to certain places. I literally don't notice.

    Legendary_Lamb2020 , Ron Lach Report

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

    I don't think I ever have dressed "right" for anywhere. I'm most comfortable casually dressed. The day is too short and events go by too quickly to spend a lot money and time to look fancy.

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    #18

    Woman in a leather jacket and lace top standing by the street, reflecting common embarrassment issues women face. Asymmetrical boobies. They’re still boobies. We are satisfied.

    TheDanyuul , Alan Garzón Report

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

    As long as we get to play with them, we're good. Are they attached to you? Then we love them.

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    #19

    Woman in a white robe looking at clothes in a closet, reflecting common embarrassment topics for women. Rewearing the same outfit.

    Didntlikedefaultname , cottonbro studio Report

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

    Clothes don't need as much washing as we think they do. Except for underwear. As long as you're not sweating up a storm and keeping up with hygiene, and haven't spilled food on your clothes, they should be good to go.

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    #20

    Woman using makeup brush on neck scar, illustrating common female insecurities. Scars.

    PerspectiveThink8555 , Kaboompics.com Report

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

    If someone is petty enough to pass you over because you have scars, they were never worth your time.

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    #21

    Woman using a dry brush on her thigh sitting by a bathtub, highlighting women's concerns that confuse men. Cellulite.

    AssPlay69420 , cottonbro studio Report

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

    This is purely a media driven insecurity to sell... whatever it is we're supposed to buy to fix an non-issue with ourselves.

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    #22

    Woman sleeping peacefully in a cozy bed, capturing an intimate moment of rest. Snoring.

    Bro, don’t pretend like you don’t. I can hear you from a mile away, so can the whole neighborhood. You sleep like a s**y dead octopus and take up the entire giant a*s bed despite being 5 foot 2. You sleep through me doing dishes and starting laundry at 4am.

    Then dare to ask me how I slept last night.

    Doesn’t matter though, you’re still sups adorbs and I like you very much.

    ShesATragicHero , Vlada Karpovich Report

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

    The older I get, the more I can actually hear myself snore. It's wild.

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    #23

    Woman in a white tank top lying on a bed, representing things women may feel embarrassed about that confuse men. Having bad breath in the morning.

    We all do. Just shut up and kiss me.

    anon , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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    #24

    Woman measuring waist with tape measure, wearing a camo top and black pants, illustrating body image concerns. I didn’t realize how much they didn’t mind the tummy pouch that’s so hard to get rid of.

    lenkapenka1008 , Andres Ayrton Report

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

    It's because we have a uterus. It's completely unrealistic and impossible for a women to just get rid of the pouch.

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    #25

    Woman sitting in bathroom wearing a white shirt and socks, using a smartphone, reflecting women's daily life aspects. I don’t care that you pooped and you think it stinks. I’m about to s**t myself and I don’t have time for you to stand around and air out the bathroom with half a can of febreeze.

    VonVilhelmVilhelm , Miriam Alonso Report

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

    There's always a box of matches in my bathroom. Lighting a match helps to mask odours

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    #26

    Woman wearing a graffiti-style blazer and jeans, seated outdoors. Being tall? Why are photos of girls always with their knees bent or bending over or whatnot. Just stand up straight for gods sake.

    deformedfishface , Tima Miroshnichenko Report

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

    My girlfriend in college claimed to be 5'8" because she didn't think being tall was feminine. When pressed, she's admit to 5'10". A photo with us together shows her coming up to the bottom of my ear - I was 6'4" and she was in flats, so she was about 6' tall. Apparently she's gotten over this, because she married a guy she towers over.

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    #27

    Woman laughing joyfully in an outdoor city setting, wearing a brown scarf and yellow coat. Laughing too loud, they usually find it cute or fun.

    julietteinrain , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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

    Don't forget snorting when they laugh. My first wife was mortified when she laughed and a snort would sound. I would try to keep her laughing so she would snort again. It was cute and funny.

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    #28

    Woman in white pants with high heels and shoe boxes, showcasing fashion choices that confuse men. Feet size.

    I don't know who got it into their heads that men are looking at how big women's feet are, but the only time shoe size ever came up was if I saw a shoe sale and wanted to know if they had something that fit my partner.

    HapticSloughton , Anastasia Shuraeva Report

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

    The larger the shoes size for women, the harder it is to find her size for affordable shoes.

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    #29

    Close-up of a woman's neck and shoulders in a black top, wearing a delicate necklace. I didn't see this one specifically, but that "didn't shower for a day or two" musk of a woman you like or love just hits different in so many ways. If a guy says he enjoys you that way and you're comfortable with it, you should believe him. Most of the guys I know like or are at least verry tolerable of things about women that women might think are "gross".

    myfavssthrow , Almighty Shilref Report

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    #30

    Smiling woman in black dress holding number candles, representing things some women feel embarrassed about. Being over 30.

    Used-Gas-6525 , Fábio Carvalho Report

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

    Any age you get to is something to be proud of. The older you get the more at risk you are of dying, and not a lot of people make it to old age.

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    #31

    Woman in white shirt looking pensive, with hand at her neck, surrounded by plants; exploring women's embarrassment. A big/prominent nose. As far as body parts go, that is probably no higher than fourth on most guy’s priority lists.

    Supergamera , cottonbro studio Report

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

    I have a Roman nose, it's very big and years ago as a kids other kids would tell me my nose was huge and I would agree and it would pìss them off

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    #32

    Women in floral dresses, an example of fashion choices that confuse men. Being at a party and wearing the same outfit as someone else.

    Long_Serpent , Cihan Oğuzmetin Report

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

    I've never gotten why this was so bad.

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    #33

    Woman with glasses and earrings, looking confident outdoors, reflecting topics that confuse men. Wearing glasses.

    The_Dues , Newman Photographs Report

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    #34

    A couple taking a selfie with a camera in winter clothing, illustrating things that confuse men about women. Not looking perfectly stellar in a picture. Im not looking for a perfect expression.

    Money_Breh , cottonbro studio Report

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

    I hate having my picture taken. I'm most comfortable behind the camera than in front. I hate the way I look and I'm always picking apart my flaws and always think I could stand to lose another 20 pounds.

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    #35

    Woman with a towel on her head looking at her reflection, emphasizing common beauty routines. Mustache fuzz lol.

    DuelJ , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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

    Adding, leg hair, underarm hair, etc... Really doesn't matter.

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    #36

    A shaving razor on a rolled white towel in a bathroom setting. We don't god d**n care that you didn't shave your bush.

    Justin_Shields , Castorly Stock Report

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

    A guy who does is obsessed with p**n and not looking for a committed relationship. The guys who demand it, I mean.

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    #37

    Woman jogging in park at sunset, wearing workout clothes; relatable topics for women that confuse men. Panty lines

    Maybe that’s just me though.

    rumbellina , MART PRODUCTION Report

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

    In the early aughties, apparently VPL (visible panty line) was T H E D E V I L. Whatever. VPL is s**y. NPL (no panty lines)? Also s**y? Look, y'all are s**y, period.

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    #38

    Woman covering her face with hand, reflecting embarrassment. Generally, any sort of noise that comes from the body that isn't speech. This is based on my own experience though.

    Bright_Rip_Fantasy , Atahan Demir Report

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

    As a British person, we have a special squeak that we let out when we push a door that's actually a pull and then end up walking into it. And, of course, tutting, the universal "you cretin!" noise.

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    #39

    A woman holding a photograph of another woman, highlighting common things women feel embarrassed about. Their drivers license photo! Every girl I’ve ever met refuses to show people their ID photo. I’ve had two girlfriends that legitimately got pissed at me when I picked up their ID to look at their pic.

    thai_iced_queef , Drazen Nesic Report

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

    I look like a trailer park gal who just got arrested for stealing from the Walmart, because I thought my curly hair would look pretty in a half ponytail in front faced photo. Which reminds me that I have to renew mine ... this coming month. Nearly forgot.

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    #40

    Woman covering her face with hands, illustrating embarrassment. Her lazy a*s eye.

    narcodic_cassarole , Ketut Subiyanto Report

    Portentia9
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love those beautiful, natural nails!!!

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    #41

    Two women laughing at a laptop screen, discussing matters that often confuse men. Tripping, stumbling on a word, social mishaps are indearing if you own it.

    rocketcitygardener , Canva Studio Report

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    #42

    Woman shaving her legs, a common beauty routine that some women feel embarrassed about. Unshaved areas, such as legs, armpits, little stomach trail. Like when you let it grow for a few days extra.

    Kaptoz , KoolShooters Report

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

    What if we just stop shaving for life, instead of a few extra days?

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    #43

    Profile of a woman with messy hair in a white top, showcasing natural beauty often causing embarrassment. Having a messy bun day, most guys will find the opposite.

    CardMountain , Kássia Melo Report

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

    I have never heard of men say anything negative about messy buns.

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    #44

    Woman opening a gift bag with yellow tissue paper, illustrating confusion in women's experiences. Going to celebrations without gifts for the hosts.

    Gamer_panda8055 , RDNE Stock project Report

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

    This is in bad taste in some cultures. For other people it's not a big deal.

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    #45

    Snack pack with string cheese, dried raspberry bar, and banana chips in a floral lunch tote. I'm usually embarrassed to eat string cheese in front of my boyfriend but he thinks it's adorable.

    SirenOfMorning13 , ammichaels Report

    Data1001
    Community Member
    7 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What? What am I missing here? Why would this be embarrassing?

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