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Acting like a "lady", smiling at strangers while walking down the street, looking like you just stepped out of a magazine cover — these are just a few things society assumes women want to do every day. Of course, it would be wrong to say that expectations for women haven’t changed in recent years. They certainly have, and for the better. But there’s still plenty of room for improvement.

Rubbergloves44 asked women of Reddit to share some of the outdated things they are expected to live up to, and they delivered. More than a thousand comments flooded the thread with subtle and not-so-subtle ways people set ridiculous presumptions about female behavior.

Whether it’s believing all women want children or need to be devoted to their lousy husbands, Bored Panda has selected some of the best answers from the thread. Upvote our favorites as you go, and let us know in the comments the outdated beliefs you personally think need to change right away.

#1

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Policing the way women dress instead of policing the way men react to it

Late-Willingness-903 , Jereme Rauckman Report

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Ranger Kanootsen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm a man but I completely agree. Men who tell women that they "asked" to be sexually abused because of what they were wearing can f**k off.

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Karoline Constance Dahl
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well done you then good sir coz I am a feminist who's been feeling very low.. you just restored my faith in men a lil bit more thank you

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Aski Markup
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They hate it when we wear too little, they hate it when we wear too much...

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Paul Davis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Could they in any way tell you might possibly be female?? Well then there's your problem...don't do that! Better yet, never go outside at all, ever!

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LynzCatastrophe
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How you feel is not my problem. But how you express that feeling is going to cause YOU a lot of problems.

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Carter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is still common decency to dress appropriately depending on the venue. That goes for all people, men included. I won't wear tank tops when i go out to eat and I always put a shirt on when I walk into a convenience store: I live in Florida and men always in 7-11 shirtless. Gross

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Monilip
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty sure it's otherwise, at least acording to ław. Rape is forbidden, wearing dress too small is not. By law

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Z Kalnina
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seriously, I can upvote any post on this thread! This is verbal gold.

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Paul Mitchell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Borat in his mankini was the butt of jokes because he was over exposed. Sure, anyone can dress how they like, and people can react how they want to as long as it's also within the bounds of decency.

naesil avatar
Naesil
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, like I fully support ladies to be able to go topless if they want :P but still I dont want to see anyone without shirt in a restaurant. There is place and time for everything.

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Keith Mitchem
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't care if people walk around naked. Just as long as your comfortable with what you got on O got your back.

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J Adams
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

However whether it is when we go on a date or a general night out and think meeting a man wouldn’t be a bad thing, we as women do ‘sometimes’ dress for attention. The post doesn’t mention rape which is obviously always the rapists fault but there seems to be a trend growing where us women are happy for attention if we are attracted to whoever it is giving it but if we aren’t then the man/person is a creep and shouldn’t be looking

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Egg
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And do you live in a deluded fantasy world, you stupid c**t? The answer is yes. Yes you do.

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Robert Thompson
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2 years ago

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How would women react if I wore a skirt so short that my b#tt cheek was showing? It may not be the gender that is the problem.

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Got Myself 4 Pandas
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They'd react by thinking "oh, his butt cheeks are hanging out", if they're with someone they may point it out and laugh - they wouldn't use it as an excuse to assault you in any way. That's kinda the point though, your reaction to how someone dresses is your responsibility and yours to control - I don't think that men can't control themselves, they just don't want to and feel some kind of justification if they think some is dressed to show off. Even if the person is looking for attention it doesn't give anyone the right to verbally or physically assault them - let's face it, everyone wants to look attractive, people have different ideas of what that is. But using how someone dresses as an excuse for unwanted behaviour is beyond ridiculous and always has been. I can't believe that this is still even a thought in anyones mind

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Eric r
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2 years ago

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U can't seriously expect men or even lesbians I've seen not to react when they see a slutty dresser. It's natural to be attracted to provocative body parts.

gemmelltastic avatar
Got Myself 4 Pandas
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People react to everything, it's human nature. But you reacting to someone's appearance doesn't need to involve them, you can think what you like but you have no right to verbally or physically assault someone just because of how they're dressed. If you genuinely cannot help but react in such ways you have no business being around people in public spaces, you need serious mental health treatment. But men can control themselves, they just don't want to. It's awful when you've dressed up, think you're looking nice for a night out with the girls and then these sleazy guys pester you all night - it's annoying, frustrating and quite honestly scary at times since often they refuse to back off even after making it clear you aren't interested. Even if you do want to approach someone you find attractive then do it politely and if they say no then leave it at that - why is that so hard for men to do?

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Thomas Sweda
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2 years ago

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Serious question here. Ladies, what would be your comments be about the way the Kardashians dress ?

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K Witmer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thomas why are you asking this? I can only guess you're trying to see if we'll s**t shame them? No luck. They are beautiful woman and in no way do they ask to be raped bc they were tight or skimpy clothing. Believe it or not women are capable of giving criticism to other women wo shaming them for their bodies. Here you go the Kardashian's have horrible style. Their clothes are hideous most of the time. Everything is plastic and leather it's not comfortable and it looks stupid. In no way do the women themselves deserve to be raped bc of it.

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Mark Wallin
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2 years ago

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I agree. Nothing wrong with showing off the curves of their Butt or their Cannel Toe. Although I have respect for women in nice Dresses and Skirts. I am old enough to remember what's under Neath. I don't want to see it any more, keep it covered have self respect and respect others. Get a good high paying job. Don't use your body to gain attention. There are enough screwing their way to the top. OK anger Mail. I can respect your opinion.

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Healing Moon Breezes
Community Member
2 years ago

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Policing is acceptable in the workplace and other places. You are there to work not be a distraction.

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Wise beauty
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just let women wear what they are comfortable with wearing. Do you have any idea how hard it is to feel comfortable with wearing a crop top and hope that you don’t get scolded for wearing one or even worse, sexualized for wearing one?

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Clark
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2 years ago

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So just ignore biology. Got it. I see titties, I react.

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Agnes Jekyll
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Women see breasts, women see asses and a man with a beautiful physique or face. Women, by and large, do not grab, stalk, whistle, or cat call (if we do, it's considered "funny" even when it's not) Policing what women and girls wear through sexual aggression is a threat.

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#2

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Automatically assuming all women enjoy, want and will have children.

Connie_Damico , Xavier Mouton Photographie Report

#3

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Being docile and passive. We’re expected to take so much c**p on a daily basis without complaining. Sexual harassment? it’s just a compliment. Sexual assault? you had it coming. do you really want to ruin his life? Periods or any type of pain/illness? it’s not that bad. The amount of mental labor we’re expected to do is exhausting, but we have to do it or nothing would get done. And then men get offended and call us names when we assert ourselves or express any emotion other than happiness. Our boundaries are constantly trampled and we’re supposed to just take it with a smile. It’s so frustrating!

HRPunsNStuff , Ben White Report

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S. Mi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We somehow paradoxically socialize women to expect sexual abuse, blame ourselves and yet somehow think we are the only ones.

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#4

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Taking care of a husband like he is an overgrown toddler incapable of doing anything for himself

Stormallthetime , Erik Mclean Report

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Mike Crow
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My wife takes care of me when I am down and I take care of her when she is down.

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#5

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do A woman must be lady like

You know how I feel about that one? (Farts loudly) that’s how I feel

VeeSquibbles , Alphacolor Report

#6

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Having to defy the normal process of ageing and that ageing somehow diminishes our worth.

lastseenhitchhiking , Maria Lupan Report

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Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ugh. This. Yes, I'm looking more like my grandma. So what? She had a boyfriend in her late 80s. :-)

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#7

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do A man can walk away from a pregnancy or a family and go on with life without a bat of an eye from society but heaven forbid a woman ever walk away from her kids

Cultural-Chart3023 , Anastasiia Chepinska Report

#8

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That all women want a man/relationship.

I'm happily single for years and don't want to be in a relationship. I don't get why people assume that single women aren't as happy as the ones in a relationship, when it was proven that single women are the happiest population out there.

Programmer_girl0 , Priscilla Du Preez Report

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Dora Ferrier
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Preach! I love being single. I was never the little girl who grew up fantasizing about my future wedding to my Prince Charming. I can't think of anything I'd rather do less. People always assume my life is unfulfilling and lonely but it's the complete opposite! I have 100% freedom to do whatever I want to do and I love it!

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#9

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That doctors STILL do not provide adequate health care for us. And the fact that we still don't have autonomy of our bodies (in the US)

Super_sassy_cakesf12 , Kristine Wook Report

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Swan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in the us or anywhere else ; trans surgery = rejected you don't dispose of YOUR body ; breast removal surgery (for example to prevent cancer(or any other reason (confort etc...)) = rejected you don't dispose of YOUR body ; trying to get a tattoo = are you sure, you'll regret it ; plastic surgery = you don't need it ; uterus removal (like to stop periods and period pain) = rejected you don't dispose of YOUR body --- [for now (and certainly for ever ): I 'am' a woman so I'm not sure if it's a woman only thing or doctors and surgeons just don't listen to anyone]

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#10

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That we shouldn’t show anger. Men always talk about how hard it is that when they cry, they’re called a pussy or something like that. I agree that that is a valid issue and I wish it weren’t that way, but I also wish that women could express anger without getting called a b***h or being called irrational. We get asked if we’re menstruating, we get told we’re overreacting. Just once I’d like to feel free to be angry.

MrsFrobert , engin akyurt Report

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Olivia Sorenson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Exactly! Like am I only supposed to have emotions while I'm hormonal??

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#11

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Being ok with getting paid less than men for the same job

that_other_geek , Elisa Ventur Report

#12

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Dressing for men. I see many people tell women that they should not dye or cut their hair, not get tattoos, or wear certain fashion because it is unappealing to men. However, a lot of women nowadays (like me) dress for themselves and not for male pleasure.

BennaJoJenna , Caitlyn Roberts Report

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MoMcB
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That one always makes me laugh. I have, and my friends have been told that dyed hair, tattoos and how we dress is unattractive. Why do we want to be attractive to that type of man?

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#13

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That vaginas should be smooth always

ruthiebkind , Juli Kosolapova Report

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Mary Mosher
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For the love of God, need we remind people that vaginas are an INTERNAL organ ... the outer area consists of inner and outer labia, and vulva.

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#14

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That women should do all the cooking and cleaning.

m0rbidowl , Gelmis Bartulis Report

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Kristof De Smet
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My kid's teacher once asked what the kids thought about cleaning: was it the woman's responsibility or is it something that both should take care of? Only kid in class who thought it was a shared responsibility, was mine. I think we have a long way to go.

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#15

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Ugh, I live in the Southern US & the whole “wife must fix husbands dinner plate before hers or the children’s” is strong here. I get in debates all the time about this—it agitates me to no end. I don’t know why. It just comes off very misogynistic.

The reasoning I’ve heard from people I know is that “if your husband works hard then he should not have to fix his own food when he comes home” as if women don’t also work hard & almost always have to pull the second shift if kids are involved. I don’t understand why it’s such a debate. If it matters who eats first, then it should be the kids. If there’s no kids, then who cares? Both spouses can make their own plate or one (either one) can make both plates. I’m not a housewife or a waitress for my husband. We are equals, we both work & gender roles are outdated as hell.

boysenberry_22 , Kevin McCutcheon Report

#16

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do The concept of virginity.

Alice-Xandra , DANNY G Report

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Agnes Jekyll
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always confused me as a kid--who were all these studs having sex with if the women were all virgins?

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#17

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That they need to wear makeup to look presentable — think a professional setting, a lot of people have the notion that it is lazy for a woman to not have ANY makeup on.

Now I wear makeup sometimes and sometimes I don’t, I just think it’s an outdated expecting that half of the population has never had.

heyitsamess , Annie Spratt Report

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Sarcastic Cow
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is just because people (read men) who write these rules have no idea what makeup is. You can have your whole face covered in ´naked´ style and they will say ´ You see how good you look without all those colors on!´

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#18

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Vulgar language is not feminine.

Stopped counting how many times I was told that but I always told them to f**k themselves

nebunala4328 , Nenad Stojkovic Report

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June
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't spew profanities. I enunciate them clearly, like a f*****g lady.

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#20

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That women can’t do anything. Fixing things, manual labor, etc. I hate when my girlfriends say “I’m waiting on him to do this or that and it’s frustrating.” How about you get off your a*s and figure it out like he did. Lol

X13M1 , Robert Couse-Baker Report

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

Yes, the division of labour along the lines of gender - makes no sense at all..

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#21

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Being event coordinator, sender of household thank you notes, purchasing holiday gifts

Altruistic-Ad6449 , Shaun Wadham Report

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Agnes Jekyll
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom bought all the gifts for my dad's side of the family for 15 years. And when she told my dad, it's your turn now, all the gifts stopped.

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#22

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That we all have a maternal instinct. Hahahaha NOPE.

catastrophized , FLOUFFY Report

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S. Mi
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a nurturing instint and exists in many people of all genders. We just try to socialize it out of children we've identified as male, while expecting it of women.

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#24

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Being devoted to shi**y husbands

happysmize , Many Wonderful Artists Report

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John Smith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have known a couple of women that were with guys just because "it would upset them to break up".. Girl he gives you a blackeye and you don't want to upset him, buy a clue. Leave, leave now, if it upsets him, who cares. The guy is obviously a d**k and deserves to be upset and alone.

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#25

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That women automatically make better caregivers (children or the elderly).

DisneyUp , Kelly Sikkema Report

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Kristof De Smet
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly, most of the time they are. But that doesn't mean that, as a man, you shouldn't at least try.

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#26

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Having to smile and accommodate other people’s awkward and rude behavior. The- “I’m sorry I can’t help but to say or notice” and what they is creepy, unwarranted, intrusive, interrupting, offensive etc. Get out of my space! I don’t care that my voice is unusually high pitched or that whatever you noticed or have to say about me.

bourbonpuppybaby , x1klima Report

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kayla Mckee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or the the whole thing of of, you would be so much prettier if you did ______. Or two i get a lot, you smell good, and your eyes are so pretty......yeah I know because I shower and use a lotion and body spray combo that I love and I see my eyes every day, if you are getting that close you need to back out of my space or you might be met with a flying hand.

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#27

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Sex isn’t a right when you’re in a relationship. You have to maintain other parts of the relationship to keep that flame alive. “You must be cheating” isn’t going to make the situation any better.

GrandAffectionate708 , Adam Winger Report

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Robert Thompson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hated it when [my now ex wife] would use that line. As if I was just a sex doll to her, a piece of meat without any person behind the flesh. (now I am well enough to say that I was the victim of an abusive partner)

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#28

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That woman have to take birth control (hormonal) in a long term relationship

effingneedhelp , engin akyurt Report

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Rens
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think both parties are equally responsible when it comes to birth control. It should be openly discussed and mutually agreed upon.

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#29

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Giving birth. It is the second most terrifying and painful thing a person can go through, the first is burning alive. The industry is great at hiding the many difficulties of pregnancy just to further the human race. You can permanently lose grey matter in your brain, weaken your bladder, develop allergies?? during and after pregnancy. Don't even get me started on the labour itself- i have no idea why any informed woman would want that. just google 4th degree tears and you'll be put off for life

Salty-Floor-476 , Aditya Romansa Report

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Swan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I HAVE been burnt alive , and I would give birth if I could, I most likely can't (related to the burn thing) but if women are not ready to go through giving life to have a baby they can adopt; I understand women are also ready to go through this it's their choice how about the maximum informations about it and then they make their choice?

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#30

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do It's mind blowing how many guys expect you to be a free therapist to them. Like, uh, I didn't sign up for this.

m0rbidowl , Hernán Piñera Report

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Scarlett
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Off topic but related. Being the therapist friend to anyone isn’t fun. Try not to get yourself in that position. I was that friend all through middle school but when I looked for help myself, none came. I’ve rid myself of being that friend in high school but now I don tell anyone when I need help because I got so used to never getting any.

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#31

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That women should be physically smaller than men/petite/dainty/etc in order to be feminine

kitnic94 , Jonas Weckschmied Report

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Kelsey Lee
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one sucks. I'm 5'11" (f) and my partner is 5'5" (m). Why does everyone need to bring it up? The kick of it was when his mother said she was a good wife in part because she made her husband feel tall. I replied that I took her son to greater heights :p

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#32

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do So many men view you differently when ur unapologetically yourself. I’m loud and stand up for myself when I need to and men give you that ‘how dare you look’ and it just fills me with power.

Past-Outlandishness5 , LexScope Report

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Babette Venetianer Neil
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am not loud or rude, but I speak my mind and people go crazy. I have been told I really say what I am thinking. Why else would I speak?

#33

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That we shouldn’t want/need rest while we are on our periods. Just because we have one every month for years doesn’t make it any less uncomfortable. I’m not saying mine is horrible every month but sometimes it hits me hard and it gets exhausting pretending like I’m not hurting.

buzzbombin , Tracey Hocking Report

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Ozacoter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or that it does not hurt. I have broken bones, flew out of a golf car, fell donw stairs, recovered from two big surgeries. Nothing has been as painful as my top 5 periods.

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#34

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do We will do domestic labor

christine-fights , Josue Michel Report

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Donkey boi
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You WILL! You absolutely will do domestic labour! If you're not willing to help out with the household chores, go live live on your own! It's not acceptable to expect one person to do it all. Everyone that lives in a property should share the housework.

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#35

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Our focus is only his pleasure

christine-fights , Dainis Graveris Report

#36

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do We don’t like/ want sex as much as men. I personally have a much higher sex drive than my SO.

maya_mots , Womanizer Toys Report

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TheWeeb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just ignore the troll. They've already got almost -700 points, don't give them the satisfaction of more.

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#37

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Providing free emotional labor.

tc88 , Heather Mount Report

#38

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That I'm gonna look good before bed. Like i dont sleep in makeup sorry

246K , charlesdeluvio Report

#39

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Being expected to bend or compromise in a situation. Being the one to suck it up for the sake of everyone else.

Logical-Cranberry714 , Eric Ward Report

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Yeppers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Girl vs. Boy life success is measured differently. The trick is to not accept any other judgment than your own. This is YOUR life.

#40

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do If you do have one child, you have to have another. You know, for reasons.

thin_white_dutchess , Michal Janek Report

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Donna Clanclan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For the betterment of the childs perspective? It's wild having siblings and then making friends with someone who doesn't. Like, do you even know that feeling of 'I'm the only one allowed to murder this jerk.' ?

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#41

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Having children. When I tell people I don’t want kids, they always look at me like I’m crazy and then tell me I’m still young and I’ll change my mind

Queenielauren , Alex Pasarelu Report

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Swan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(it might not be much but) you're not crazy ; and I believe you (I believe you know your mind and don't want kids) !

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#42

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Men paying for dates/drinks

abv1401 , Artem Beliaikin Report

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MoMcB
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've always paid my way. Not because I'm a militant feminist, but because too many men think you owe them something if they pay.

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#43

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Putting up with any kind of abusive behaviour from their husband. Abuse isn’t just limited to your husband just beating the c**p out of you he could be emotional, mental, or verbal abuse! The same thing goes for women who just stay with a man because they want to be a happy family with their kids even though their husband is cheating on them constantly.

CosmicSirenMandi , Marco FrontSoldier Report

#44

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That women over 50 can't wear skinny jeans or be trendy.

wavyheaded , Avie Huff Report

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Alexandra Nara
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wear whatever I want...Sometimes to get attention and sometimes to feel comfortable Sometimes I express moods or choose a certain functional clothing- and sometimes I' m just wearing anything cause being naked is illegal. None of anyones business

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#45

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That women are just dying to get married before 30.

wavyheaded , Samantha Gades Report

#46

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Having to push though feeling sick, tried, or in pain to get stuff done.

I have 3 chronic conditions (endometriosis, adenomyosis, and pelvic floor dysfuntion) and im being watched for a 4th (possibly lupus). Ive had to work while in pain, get up and go do housework despite being exhausted or having a migraine. Ive had people accuse me of faking my pain or exhaustion to get out of doing stuff. Bosses have made me break physical therapy orders and make my pelvic floor worse cause they refused to give me help.

LavenderSage013 , Abbie Bernet Report

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Ozacoter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This. Everybody treats you like you are just lazy and a liar. My in laws never seemed to believe me until i got so bad that i needed a disabilities scooter.

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#47

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Our lives and identities being structured around and based upon motherhood and relationships.

lastseenhitchhiking , unsplash.com Report

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#48

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That older women are automatically jealous of, and are competing with, younger women.

wavyheaded , Christian Langballe Report

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Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I see beautiful young women going about their lives, it makes me a bit nostalgic for times gone by, but I am in no way jealous. In fact, there is nothing you could offer me to have to go back and experience all the changes I've had to go through getting older. Except maybe if I can go back with all the knowledge I have now, so I don't have to suffer through it all again.

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#49

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do We're always competing with each other

christine-fights , Kurayba Report

#50

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Shaving

leafypeep , Oz Seyrek Report

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Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have come across two gorgeous women in social media who choose not to shave and have what would be considered a normal amount of body hair for a mammal. Both have received death threats, actual death threats, from numerous men for "daring" to contravene some arbitrary standard of femininity.

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#51

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Being the "peacemaker" in a situation usually including men. Always disliked how women were seen as the "heart" of the family, the one keeping it all together. They want it to sound noble, but it sounds exhausting as hell and unfair. Like no one in a family can function without a woman doing the emotional labor.

I have been a woman of chaos for several moments in my life LOL, not a troublemaker (all the time) but one to stand up for myself in ways that are not expected. They assume I'll be a peacemaker because I am a woman. HAHA!

LetsBeReal24 , Rosie Sun Report

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#53

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That all women love sex and are "great" at it.

Alot of women hate sex and are not "great" at it.

lifesalotofs**t , Becca Tapert Report

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Ozacoter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that the double expectation is that women should not love sex and should not enjoy it. But at the same time they should not deny sex to men. Which is horrible.

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#54

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That women over 40 have to cut their hair short, like up to their ears.

wavyheaded , Christina @ wocintechchat.com Report

#55

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That women can't be genuine friends with each other.

wavyheaded , Priscilla Du Preez Report

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GaeFrog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yeah my friends and I always try to ruin each other's lives because we both think the other is prettier/s

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#56

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Being delicate and quiet = being lovable

Altruistic-Swing2253 , Pâmela Lima Report

#57

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do The pressure to conform our bodies and our sexual behavior, in time consuming, ridiculous and even harmful ways, to whatever unrealistic standard is in style at the time.

lastseenhitchhiking , Romina Farías Report

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#58

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That we are expected to smile all the time to everyone for no reason at all. Men don’t do this, aren’t expected to and don’t get approached unsolicited from strangers in public with advice to “smile more.”

Ld862 , Lesly Juarez Report

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Luther von Wolfen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People see me not smiling and they start asking about my emotional state - "Everything okay?",. "You look upset. What's wrong?" I'm just standing here with a face - my emotions are none of your f'ing business.

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#59

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do I’m tired of having to be “nice” just because I’m a woman. Especially in the workplace where all the men are “allowed” to be jerks.

jenneschguet , Siora Photography Report

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Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The good news is that "being nice" is something we have 100% control over.

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#60

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do The automatic assumption that a woman will take her husband's last name upon marriage

tearsofhunny , Drew Coffman Report

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Shanaaia
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know two men who took the name of their husband. But "normally" it's annoyingly common vice versa

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#61

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Giving a c**p about social anything. Chatting like everyone else when in a new environment. Hosting dinners. Holiday parties. Sending gifts, reminders, thank you notes, etc.

There's being polite and then there's expectation. No thanks to expectation.

MikkiSticky , Lee Myungseong Report

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Summer Mason
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My husband makes me write the cards cause I have prettier writing. However I suck at word play so he has to tell me what to say. Lol. It's a 50/50 when you get cards from us.

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#62

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do The concept that women should work-outside the home and do most of the housework. The idea that a stay at home woman is less than a woman who works and has a home.

We went too far the other way with the whole women working concept.

Irishsetter14 , Dan Gold Report

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Ozacoter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its the biggest lie of our society. Women got the responsibilities of men (need to get a degree, need to pay 50% and have a paid job) but nobody told men to start doing housechores. So we began to be expected to work 40h and be a housewife at the same time.

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#63

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Our appearance is for men. I couldn't care less what they think. I am who I am and they can suck it.

philosopherlogic , Gian Cescon Report

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Susie Elle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Watch me shove an entire office worth of supplies into the pouch of my hoodie and walk around like I'm a kangaroo

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#64

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Anything that is expected of a woman just because she’s a woman.

Relative_Dimensions , Stacey Gabrielle Koenitz Rozells Report

#65

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Any expectations for women to wear make-up, heels, skirts, etc. in order to “appear professional.”

Vienta1988 , Dane Deaner Report

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#66

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Not an expectation so much as a societal view: I think the lack of dignity given to jobs related to childcare and education, and the expectation that women who are serious and driven won’t work with children, is messed up.

My take is that raising the next generation of humans is extremely important work, and the only reason people don’t dignify it is BECAUSE it’s associated with women.

Instead of fixing that societal misperception and dignifying that work, people just avoid it (myself included; I ended up teaching/working with children as a last resort after avoiding it because I saw it as “womens work,” but I have found that I actually LOVE it).

ResponsibleFinance11 , FeeLoona Report

#67

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Having to be perfectly groomed all the time

aimeed72 , Valeriia Kogan Report

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Flip
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Come to Holland. Nobody cares. https://youtu.be/KNUlPGPzbiM

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#68

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That we have to strive to be likable. False!

Oh, also that because we are women, we are drawn towards children and mothering them. I’ve never felt maternal towards any human child I’ve ever met.

_so_anyways_ , Christina @ wocintechchat.com Report

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lenka
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! I hate being told I should be "nice". Nice girls win. B******t. I will be polite and respectful but I dont have to be nice and I dont have to be likeabile.

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#69

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do ALL OF THEM!!!!

The ones I hate the most are: women shouldn't even want to be physically strong. F**k that, it sucks not being as strong as a guy, and I will go to the gym and lift weights.

Women are supposed to want to be sexy and find being objetified empowering. Or they have to be modest and prudish. I really hate that, can't I just be a normal human with sexual desires without having to either be prudish or overtly sexual

Women aren't supposed to really have hobbies or passions. I am into things women are really not supposed to be in: welding, magic, basketball and woodworking. I really hate that women aren't really supposed to have these interests and when we do it is simply because we are trying to impress men or some s**t.

Having to cook and clean to please men. I have no problem doing some cooking and cleaning, but I am not some guys maid.

Stargazer1186 , Sven Mieke Report

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K- THULU
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People are people, regardless of sex, gender , race , any of that fkn sht. Be yourself, fk everyone. Be yourself and noone else, if the world doesn't like it... well fk them !!!

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#70

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do To never care about a man's looks, only his heart or wallet. Looks aren't everything but for some reason women are expected to put sacrifice their sexual attraction to man just to get one.

ButterScotchMagic , Elizeu Dias Report

#71

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Looking nice all the time. Sometimes I just wanna be in my bath robe and slippers. I shouldn't have to doll up all the time.

dictatemydew , Adrien VIN Report

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Paddling Panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I sometimes walk my dog in my housecoat and flip flops. And I honestly don't give a f**k what anyone thinks. Though there is a special place in my heart when someone calls me The Dude

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#72

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do To be caring and nurturing. To bring cooked food and cakes to the office.

schwarzmalerin , NordWood Themes Report

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An Unpopular Opinion.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's exactly who I want to be though- caring, helping people, and heck yeah am I going to bring cupcakes to work sometimes!!

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#73

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Asking men out...Apparently, that's too "forward" and you come off as "creepy" and "clingy" for asking a guy out, despite it being 2022. But then, men don't ask women out anymore.

What are we supposed to do? This makes bringing back arranged marriage in the Western World look better every single day.

mlo9109 , Priscilla Du Preez Report

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Swan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

well lorraine did ask marty out for the ball and it was 1955 ! well she asked him to ask her to the prom but in the dub she flat out asks him 😁

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#74

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That we are somehow better human beings than men, so should behave better than them.

Simple_Employee_7094 , Kinga Cichewicz Report

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Atlas
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ve always heard men were the superior gender, I never heard it vice versa

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#75

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Wearing stockings/tights at work.

yellodello1221 , Rikky_Satin Report

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setsuriseikou
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooh, the bane of my existence through high school, uni and several years of an office job! I stopped putting on these wretched things quite some time ago, but the thought of not having to deal with them anymore makes me happy to this day!

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#76

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Cooking for a man

How come every time someone asks me about romantic relationships they bring up me cooking for a man?! If I learned how to cook, he can learn how to cook. There are too many resources to not know how.

AccomplishedWing9 , Jason Briscoe Report

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Lsai Aeon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've had my son in the kitchen helping since he was 5, he's 14 now, and makes the absolute bestest pancakes ever

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#77

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do We must initiate everything. sex. talking about relationships. planning

christine-fights , Yolanda Suen Report

#78

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Being tidy and organized. Not just at home, but even in office settings.

FreezingDrizzle , Volha Flaxeco Report

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#79

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do Shaving my legs. Thankfully my husband doesn't care or I wouldn't have married him. My chronic pain makes it difficult to shave and legs just say my first adventure in waxing went horribly

BakedTaterTits , Billie Report

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Robin DJW
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I quit shaving decades ago when I was put on blood thinners for the rest of my life. One little nick and the tub looks like someone was dismembered in it.

#80

This Thread Has Women Sharing 30 Outdated Things Society Expects Them To Do That exposing my ankles means I'm easy or not "in tact"

LezPlayLater , Barbora Polednová Report