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No matter how much we talk about equality between men and women, oftentimes stressing how much has already been achieved over decades of hard work, it seems that there are a lot of things that still need to be done, and extensive changes implemented. The problem of double standards between men and women is not that hard to notice, especially in some common everyday life occurrences. Having this in mind, Reddit user @u/killywayx decided to ask people “What is something that is considered ‘normal’ for a man to do, but if a woman does it then they will receive backlash?”. 

The question that received 30.5k upvotes and 15k answers showed that no matter how modern our society is, it is still full of old and entrenched behaviors. Some of the examples included things that are related to looks: women not being able to take off their t-shirt while for men it’s quite a normal thing to do, or having to constantly take care of body hair so you won’t be considered messy and neglectful, although for men, it’s not a problem. Some examples also touched upon social issues such as women who don’t want to have kids receiving quite a lot of backlash, whereas it becomes understandable when men don’t want a family. When it comes to career, women who are strong leaders and value proper work ethics are considered cold and emotionless, while men who have the same traits are seen as respectable bosses. 

What are some of the things that you have noticed to be considered normal for men but don’t apply to women? Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments down below!

More Info: Reddit 

#1

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Have an angry reaction. If it's a woman WAY too many people assume it's PMS or an overreaction.

GenesisNoelle , Anna Tarazevich Report

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Con O Cuinn
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Getting shouted at constantly by your spouse. For women, it's abuse. But men are just expected to suck it up

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#2

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Not all of these will apply to everyone or every circumstance, but I think that most of these are fair.

1. Asking a guy out or asking a guy to marry you. It's seen as pushy or impatient and frowned upon.

2. Going hiking alone. People don't tend to raise their eyebrows at a man roughing it in the wilderness, but it's seen as reckless or dangerous if a girl does it.

3. Being assertive, standing up for yourself, and being confrontational. A lot of times it's seen as rude when it's seriously just somebody standing up for themselves.

4. Eating large portions of food. If a woman (even a skinny and fit one) is at an event she enjoys and fills a plate with junk food, it tends to raise a few eyebrows. It's considered unladylike. When a guy does it, it's viewed as normal and healthy appetite.

5. Dealing with grief. When a guy doesn't cry, it's stoic. When a woman doesn't cry, it's cold and unhealthy.

6. Caring little about appearance. If a guy goes a few days without shaving and has some stubble, it isn't frowned upon very much. If a girl goes without shaving her legs it's disgusting.

7. Masculime interests. A guy can like cars and video games and sports without question. But if a girl likes those things, it's "because she wants a guy" or "she's faking it" and she has to prove her worth and knowledge.

8. I know it's been said a lot, but sleeping around. It really is a very high double standard. It seems like the pressure is usually placed on women to be the defenders of sexuality. But sometimes we want to get down and dirty too. And I don't think anyone should be shamed for that -- male or female.


That said, I do think that men face a lot of backlash and hardships as well, especially for doing things that normal women do like being alone with children, having open emotions, caring about appearance a lot, etc. I do think women face backlash, even sometimes for behaving like a stereotypical woman (having strong emotions, wearing makeup, wanting to show some skin...) At the end of the day, a little bit of understanding goes a long way. :) Let's all be kind to everyone around us! :)

CC_Sierra , Brady Knoll Report

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#4

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Calling it "babysitting" when watching their own children

koreamax , Lisa Fotios Report

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StrangeOne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always corrected people on this whenever they tried saying my kid's dad was "babysitting". Her Dad even called it "babysitting". Parenting would've been a lot easier to cope with if I didn't feel like a single parent in a 2 parent family.

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#5

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Walk around and be treated fairly in Iran.

frogjockie , Photo RNW.org Report

#6

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Age, gain weight, fart, be sexually active, raise her voice, don't tolerate being interrupted,...

Dooshbaguette , Mike Finn Report

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Brendan
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Last night, I farted in front of my wife. She then did a louder fart, and said, "I see yours, and raise you mine". Farts are, and always will be, hilarious!

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#7

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Not wanting kids.

When a man is good with kids and/or wants kids some day, he is called "a catch" (you know, in combination with other good traits), meaning that the opposite (not being good with kids and/or not wanting kids some day) is common and normal, but not great.

A woman who does not want kids or is awkward with kids is seen with an unkind eye.

ChibiSailorMercury , Eric Lewis Report

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zak
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't want kids, and a woman who doesn't want kids is "a catch" to me 🙂

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#8

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Keep their last name after marriage.

imnotyourproblemyet , Chris Report

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Amy Taylor
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My friend took his wife's name because he had a Lon, complicated last name that people were constantly butchering. His wife had an easy last name, lol

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#9

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Not being you child’s primary care giver. Normal for a dad. Failure for a mum.

Ellie_A_K , Rulo Davila Report

#10

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Shave your hair off.

Regular_Estimate_511 , Tim Gouw Report

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Deborah Harris2
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've had a lot of friends shave their heads for 'Stand up to Cancer' , none had any comeback because of it xx

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#11

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online driving an 18 wheeler.... they s**t when i get out.....it is just a truck.....i can drive a semi, too

Queenofhackenwack , Gheysen86 Report

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TheAquarius1978
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

S**t lol, i remember a few decades a go, when a bus company here got its 2 first female bus drivers, those busses where full to capacity for 2 or 3 weeks, just by idiots that wanted to see a woman drive a bus.

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#12

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online a) having sex
b) not having sex
c) smiling and laughing a lot
d) not smiling and laughing “enough”
e) not knowing how to cook
f) not doing house chores
g) having kids and having a career at the same time

0_0moon0_0 , dreamponderCreate Report

#13

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Being old

DDJello , Edu Carvalho Report

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Stacey Rae
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please correct me if I'm wrong but as an aging women I feel older women are the least respected/ revered (?) / unaccepted (?)... Would appreciate others insights.

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#14

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Normal bodily functions

kanyesweenie , history-art-photos Report

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#17

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Being assertive. Assertive women seen as ‘dominating’ and ‘intimidating,’ but assertive men are seen as ‘having incredible leadership skill’ and ‘confident and self-assured’ (Know this by comparing my teacher’s commentary on my leadership skills versus my male friend who did the exactly the same)

theVastlycreative , SuckTheButton Report

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ShaZam Beaubien
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Assertive women are given the term pushy. It's not the same for guys.

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#18

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Be fat/chubby. Fat men= the funny friend. Fat woman= the ugly friend. Not fair tbh

CrispSandwichMuncher , Tony Alter Report

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TheAquarius1978
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really? I had a female friend that weighed 120kg and She was 1.60m tall, i weigh 120kg but i'm a male ( denser boné and muscle structures ) and i'm 1.85m tall, and She was BY FAR the sexyest women i ever talked to, personality counts a lot, and She had that in spades, its a shame She was married.

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#19

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Break up and leave the kids. Only get kids 4 days a month.

Urmom_731 , cottonbro Report

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Con O Cuinn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This suggests that fathers are happy getting only 4 days a month

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#20

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Ambition of any sort which does not involve having kids.

lyraleo135 , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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Brendan
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wife is one of the lucky ones. Her boss has been very accommodating. She has been able to progress in her career (a promotion recently), while also be able to have one day off a week to spend with our kids.

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#21

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Be angry

LatterBlood , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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El Dee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This was in another post but I think it needs clarification. Women are not allowed to be angry in work or formal situations and men are. Women are allowed to be angry in personal situations and men are not ie relationships..

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#22

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Going out alone at night.

16115121522 , PNW Production Report

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#23

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Take their shirt off.

Dheadghead , Virginia State Parks Report

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TheAquarius1978
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is stupid, and i say this not because Im a man, but because if you go to most EU beaches a lot of women are and walk around topless and no One gives a c**p about it.

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#24

Say "No".

Dorothyya Report

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Tabitha Frost
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1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No is an answer, not an obstacle. So shut the hecc up and accept the word "No".

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#25

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Walk out on their wife and kid. I know many men that have left their partners and their children. Barely visit their kids, make very little effort. No one really judges them that harshly for it.

But could you imagine if a woman walked out on her husband and children? Absolute monster.

magicfishfriend , joey zanotti Report

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Natasha
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Both of them are terrible and it hurts the children a lot (I know many people who’s parents left them, both the moms and the dads)

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#26

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Refusing to pick up your kid from school because "you're at work"

lawfullawful , Ken Mayer Report

#27

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Voicing an unpopular opinion or offering constructive criticism in (too many) professional settings.

Msrow91 , turodrique fuad Report

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Szirra
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And having a man repeat the same thing verbatim not 2 minutes later.

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#29

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Have a child whilst also having a job.

Edit: I was actually referring to the stealth demotions and firings, denied promotions, etc, but as people have pointed out, yes there's mom shaming too

AlterEdward , Ketut Subiyanto Report

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StrangeOne
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be asked at my job. "Who looks after your daughter when you're at work?" Dunno. Ask the lions.

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#30

30 Things That Nobody Bats An Eye About If It’s A Guy Doing It, But Loses Their Wits If It’s A Woman Doing It, As Listed By Folks Online Sit the Iron Throne

ohkas , Matt Brown Report

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Bouche Clay
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That chair looks very uncomfortable, and too exposed to the elements. How's about a cushion and a shade tree? Thanks, I'm not sitting on that.

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