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The share of singles—that is, not married, living with a partner, or committed to anyone romantically—can vary a lot from country to country and even within the demographics of a particular one.

In the United States, for example, about three in ten adults (31%) belong to this category. However, more than a third of them (35%) say they have never even been in a relationship, with roughly equal shares of men (35%) and women (37%).

One Reddit thread tapped into this very divide, asking men what they realized about women only after getting a girlfriend. The responses ranged from funny to heartfelt, and many revealed just how much dating can change a person's perspective.

#1

Man and woman having a serious conversation in a kitchen, illustrating unexpected things men didn’t know about women dating. That 99% of the time when they come to us to vent or go off about something, that is literally all they want to do in that moment. They are not looking for Mr. Fixit, just someone to sit in the mud with them.

pyroskunkz , freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    #2

    The things that men do to impress women mostly just impress other men. Most women don’t actually give a s**t about your car, your abs, your muscles, your d**k size, etc.

    TwinkieWinky420 Report

    #3

    That pockets can be fake.

    Never occurred to me that clothing would have fake pockets! Fake pockets?!

    Ladies, you deserve real pockets that can hold all sorts of dumb c**p. F**k the patriarchy, get you some pockets!

    LiberateMainSt Report

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    #4

    Woman applying makeup with a brush, illustrating unexpected things men didn’t know about women until dating them. They do makeup to impress themselves and other women, it has very little to do with looking good for dudes.

    I always thought women did makeup to attract guys but my girlfriend said it was because she wanted to feel pretty and I believe it.

    frawtlopp , Fatma Sarıgül / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #5

    If you want to know what women want, ask women and not your buddies.

    hird Report

    #6

    Periods are no joke.

    The pain, cramping, headaches. It’s like having a flu once a month. Idk how women work full time like this.

    Obviously not all women get strong period symptoms, but still.

    OujiSamaOG Report

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    #7

    Gift box with a red ribbon, symbolizing unexpected things men didn’t know about women in dating relationships. They actually appreciate small efforts more than big gestures.

    EmbarrassedTowel6885 , EyeEm / freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    #8

    A woman in a brown coat looking away with a man blurred in the background, representing things men didn’t know about women. They get harassed a looooooooooot. Sure I knew, vaguely, but now that I hear about her experiencing that on a regular basis it's way more concrete. .

    Karpattata , Andrej Lišakov / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #9

    They’ll love you to the ends of the earth as long as you don’t let them down.

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    #10

    That taking a shower and washing their hair are two different types of showers.

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    #11

    Woman in a white polka dot dress standing by a doorway, representing unexpected things men didn’t know about women dating them. They move through the house like ninjas, man. You never hear them until they're standing in the doorway and say "whatcha doin, babe?" and send you three feet into the air.

    LeakyAssFire , EyeEm / freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    #12

    Man looking emotional and reflective while talking to woman on a couch, illustrating things men didn’t know about women. Women are extremely perceptive towards emotions and demeanor. If something is slightly off, they'll know.

    GuruParrot , Blake Cheek / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #13

    I came to see that emotional intelligence is far more important than I had previously believed. Being present, communicating, and making small gestures all have a significant impact. Consistency, respect, and listening are more important than flashy romantic gestures.

    StrengthThen5662 Report

    #14

    Women love the little things, tell her she’s pretty, tell her she smells nice, remember her birthday, call her, listen to her talk, give her attention, these things mean more to them than they show.

    Lattoooomybaby Report

    #15

    Young woman in a white sleeveless top, showing nervous behavior, illustrating unexpected things men didn’t know about women dating Turns out they’re just as nervous around us as we are around them. Everyone’s just winging it.

    CryptoEdgePro , Gabriel Ponton / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #16

    The bra and panties rarely match.

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    #17

    Empty toilet paper roll on a holder against a tiled bathroom wall, illustrating unexpected things men didn’t know about women. The amount of toilet paper used… having to go from changing the roll every couple weeks to every few days.

    qbsky , Isaac Quesada / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #18

    Even the most attractive and seemingly put together woman can be staggeringly insecure.

    AnotherStamp Report

    #19

    Man and woman having a serious conversation outdoors, highlighting unexpected things men didn’t know about women dating them. They're all wildly different. Just be prepped to go with whatever and communicate effectively.

    Ohnoherewego13 , cookie_studio / freepik (not the actual photo) Report

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    #20

    Modern bathroom with wooden vanity and white toilet illustrating unexpected things men didn’t know about women. You should probably have a second towel and keep your bathroom spotless. They don't care much if your living area is perfect but that room in specific is a comfort zone.

    LargeSnorlax , Filios Sazeides / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #21

    Black lace bra laid on white bed sheets illustrating unexpected things men didn’t know about women in dating. They can take off their bra without taking off their shirt.

    A s**y revelation to young me.

    CaroCogitatus , Mathilde Langevin / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #22

    When we first lived together, I would do all the laundry and noticed all her undies had discharge and assumed she was aroused all the time but never wanted to do anything with me. Boy was I wrong and embarrassed.

    Significant-Chip879 Report

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    #23

    That being clean refers to dirt and dust, not clutter. A counter can be full of things and still clean apparently.

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    #24

    Women always need 2 towels for shower time, one for the hair one for the body.

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    #25

    They notice EVERYTHING and remember EVERYTHING. They also love hot showers, like burn your skin hot. IDK how they do it.

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    #26

    Broom beside a large clump of hair on white tile floor, illustrating unexpected things men didn’t know about women. So much hair.
    Everywhere.

    When we weren't living toghter yet I found hair in my fresh boxers 3 days later.

    Now that we do live toghter... i need to clean the vacuum's head on every 3rs use as its all hair and it doesnt suck good. Im suprised she is not bald at this point.

    supe3rnova , stanislav71 / freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    #27

    I found out that they are not as organized/ tidy as I expected. For example, my restroom was comprised of just shampoo, body soap, towel, and three toiletries, and everything in its place. Once she moved in, it was like a tornado just swooped right through. Oh, and clothes everywhere, EVERYWHERE!!! Bras hanging on all the bedroom door knobs 😆. We got married!

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    #28

    Woman organizing folded clothes in a wardrobe, illustrating unexpected things men didn’t know about women dating insights. I still don't understand how they fold their clothes. Their clothing shapes don't make any sense.

    thumbs27 , Mesut çiçen / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #29

    10 months into a relationship with my first girlfriend, I learn that women are a lot more careful with their words and do a lot of analysis on any decision they make.

    cometssaywhoosh Report

    #30

    Women are definitely more patient and definitely more multitasking. Also it's amazing how much fits into one bag. The amount of times when men try to harass my girl. It is much more than men think it is. The amount of protection they want is a lot, but it makes sense if you think of how many guys try to bully a woman or want to get into their pants. Many times even forcefully. So if a woman can trust you, that's a huge thing.

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    #31

    Open calendar planner on wooden table illustrating unexpected things men didn’t know about women until dating them Keep a calendar to record the special dates you've come through together , that will save and help you in your relationship ♥.

    GoldaWarfield , Eric Rothermel / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

    #32

    Woman resting on couch with hands on abdomen, illustrating unexpected things men didn’t know about women in dating. They be fartin.

    EZE333 , Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo) Report

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    #33

    It's not about the message, it's about the tone.

    Edit: d**n, and here I was thinking only mine does that.

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    #34

    They love to put that inside curtain in the shower and it helps so much!

    brockapottamus Report

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    #35

    That men and women view things like fairness, equality, intention, etc; totally differently. And that boys really need to start playing house more.

    MaleficentGift5490 Report

    #36

    They want security more than anything else. Have a good job, stable emotions, being chatty and generally clean will get you the attention of a lot of women.

    That whole "alpha male" schtick gets you mocked behind your back, used like a toy destined for the curb. Women will actually use "alpha male" idiots for a free meal and shiny baubles only to kick his g**n butt to the curb when he catches on that he isn't in charge of the anything.

    Not keeping yourself clean, and your domicile clean will cause a lot of women to form low opinions. Nobody wants to live with the plague, filth and squalor.

    If a girls friends likes you. The girlfriend really likes you. Never sleep with the friend of a girl friend. If she likes her dad, and her dad likes you, she like you.

    Keep chocolate around for the time she is on her period.

    They need a space for themselves away from other people.

    Women and incredibly mean and cruel to each other.

    MoutainGem Report

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    #37

    Four colorful satin scrunchies in pink, teal, mint, and lavender, highlighting unexpected things about women accessories. HAIR-TIES EVERYWHERE.

    Silent-Good19 , Reve Haus / Unsplahs (not the actual photo) Report

    #38

    Periods can really stink. Never thought about it until I got a girlfriend.

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    #39

    Sure, we can share a suitcase," is just a woman's way of saying, "Honey, the space for your week's worth of clothes has been graciously upgraded to a single shoelace and the desperate hope of finding a laundry mat.".

    BraveOrganization421 Report

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    #40

    They're so soft, soft skin nice squishy soft b*m lovely.

    Dirk_diggler22 Report

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    #41

    She has so much more stuff than I do boxes of decorations for everything tons of skin/hair product candles soaps everything.

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    #42

    Physical things: They have complicated insides that often get outside. Sights and smells I had not anticipated. You get used to it.

    Emotionally: A lot of the time they don't want to talk it out. they just need time to cool off, let their mood normalize.

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    #43

    Bathroom shelves with neatly rolled towels and soap dispensers representing unexpected things men didn’t know about women. Reasurance is extremely important, being reliable is as well.Have a hair , face, body and scrubbing towell available.Have facial cleaner/makeup remover on hand.

    Reasonable_Ad_5496 , freepik (not the actual photo) Report

    #44

    Laundry. The laundry. It’s so much. You can wear a shirt twice if you hang it back up. No? You can’t? And you wear 3 different shirts a day? Okay. Oh is that pile on the floor clean? It is? I see. And that pile? Dirty? Ok. Is there anything in the washer? Oh a load in the washer AND the dryer. Can I wash my socks today?

    marmatag Report

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    #45

    If you clear off a spot to set something down it’ll be covered in knick knacks as soon as you turn around.

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