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“If You Have Twins You’re Not Pregnant For 18 Months”: 50 Things Women Explained To Grown Men
Interview With Expert
There’s something heartwarming about teaching your loved ones something new. But let’s be honest: sometimes that joy quickly turns into comedy, or even mild alarm, when the lesson is about something painfully basic. You know, the kind of stuff you’d expect any grown adult to already understand. And yet, real life loves to surprise us.
That’s why one woman’s TikTok question struck such a nerve. She asked, “What’s your favorite everyday thing you had to teach a man?” The responses flooded in, ranging from laugh-out-loud ridiculous to genuinely shocking. From explaining how periods work, to covering hygiene basics, to awkward lessons about consent, women shared it all. And let’s just say, the internet had thoughts.
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#1
see weaponised incompetence doesnt work on me bc when my ex told me he doesnt know how to do laundry i said "thats embarrassing." and went back to what i was doing lmao
RELATED:
#2
That I can’t just “hold it in” when I start my period
#3
My ex had a superiority complex about his music taste and when he showed me a new super unique song he found it gave me so much joy to tell him it was actually the Kardashian theme song
We can’t possibly know everything, and honestly, that’s what makes life exciting. There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s random trivia, a breaking headline, or even a hobby that lights you up inside. The key is to never stop growing. Expanding your knowledge base doesn’t have to be complicated; it just takes curiosity and an open mind.
But here’s the thing: while learning new stuff is great, getting the basics right is just as important. It can feel pretty awkward when someone fumbles through the very simple stuff, especially life skills or biological facts that affect everyday experiences. Take this stat, for instance: out of every 1,000 people, about 504 are men and 496 are women. That’s nearly an even split, yet basic awareness is still so uneven.
#4
he supported the orange man and had absolutely no idea what he was doing he only supported him because he didn’t think that a woman should be president
#6
I had to teach a man that the title of his own job was in fact not ‘soup chef’, but ‘sous chef’…
And when it comes to topics like menstruation, many men are surprisingly out of the loop. Myths and taboos still swirl around, leading to confusion, awkwardness, or worse: silence. So why not break those walls down together? Let’s normalize learning the facts because ignorance isn’t cute, but curiosity? That’s always welcome.
Bored Panda caught up with Dr. Alka Pradhan, a general physician who’s been running her clinic in Mumbai for over 30 years. With a career built on trust and compassion, she’s seen it all and heard it all, too. “Husbands, concerned fathers, even curious brothers often come in with questions about periods,” she shared with a smile. And honestly, their curiosity doesn’t come from ignorance; it comes from love. “They want to help the women in their lives but just don’t know where to begin.” That’s where Dr. Pradhan steps in, gently guiding them, one honest conversation at a time.
#8
How to use a colander. He was washing the blueberries individually under the sink and laying them in the colander.
#9
That babies do not infact grow in the stomach of a woman and instead there’s a whole organ for it called the uterus
Dr. Pradhan explains, "Many people confuse a woman’s period with her menstrual cycle, but they’re not the same. The period is just the few days she actually bleeds. The menstrual cycle, on the other hand, includes the entire time from the start of one period to the start of the next. It’s commonly said to be 28 days long, but that’s just an average. Many women have cycles ranging from 21 to 35 days. It’s also important to know that things like stress, emotions, travel, weight changes, or medication can all shift the timing. So when someone asks why a woman’s period is ‘late,’ it’s often just how her body naturally responds. Everyone’s cycle is a little different, and that’s completely normal.”
#10
that women don’t all have their periods at the same time every month ?? (he thought we all had it from the 1st to 7th of the month)
#11
That Marie Antoinette was a historical figure, not an influencer living in 2024
#12
he asked me if the eggs come out of the chicken with the shell or they put the shell around it in the egg factory..
One of the most frustrating misconceptions Dr. Pradhan encounters is about pain. Many still believe women are exaggerating their discomfort. This stereotype not only discredits real medical issues like dysmenorrhea but also adds to the emotional burden women already carry.
Dr. Pradhan shares, “One of the most harmful things I hear is ‘women fake period pain.’ That’s completely false. Period pain is very real, and for many women, it can be debilitating. We should believe and support, not dismiss or mock their discomfort.”
#13
My husband is wonderful and definitely not a manchild, but I did have to teach him that salt and pepper mixed together did not make paprika
#14
That it’s “self esteem” not “self of steam”
#15
he tried to teach ME how period works
Robin Roper 5 months ago
Hope OP taught him where the door was located - good bye and good riddance.
The idea that menstruation makes women “impure” is still deeply rooted in many cultures. It shows up in temple restrictions, kitchen bans, and even in whispered shame during conversations. These beliefs do real harm by isolating women and making them feel dirty for something entirely natural.
Dr. Pradhan explains, “Another common myth is that ‘periods are impure.’ This belief has no scientific basis and only adds unnecessary shame to something perfectly natural. A woman on her period is not dirty, she is functioning as biology intended.”
#16
to wash his hands after going to the toilet
Alexia 5 months ago
This is more widespread than I thought. I had to do that with my brother during the pandemic Also, we had arguments about washing his hands after coming in the house (after using public transport), about coughing/ sneezing in the palms and not in my face etc. He's 40 y.o., single and still living with our parents.
#17
that bedsheets and towels aren’t self cleaning and do infact need put in the washer… he didn’t realize his mum had been doing it for him for his whole life and moved out and let that s**t rot for a YEAR
#18
The difference between your and you’re. And guess what his major was? Journalism
Ever noticed how sanitary pads are often double-wrapped and handed over like contraband at stores? That awkwardness has to go. Hiding period products only adds to the stigma and makes girls and women feel ashamed for something basic and essential. Dr. Pradhan says, “Then there’s the idea that pads or tampons should be hidden or wrapped in shame. Why? Sanitary products are essential healthcare items. No one feels awkward buying bandages: why should this be any different?”
#19
That liquids can in fact have calories. He literally thought that juicing fruit removed the calories
Janissary35680 5 months ago
I knew someone who would go to the trouble of squeezing fresh oranges and then boiling the juice to "concentrate the goodness". I told him he wasn't because heat destroys vitamin C. I don't think I ever really convinced him of this even though he looked it up himself. 🤷♂️Fortunately I never had to explain to him how commercially sold concentrated orange juice is made.
#20
He thought that me dying my hair was permanent. As in he thought it‘d keep coming out of my scalp as the dye color. Had to carefully explain to him that it grows out
#21
said he knew the 'science stuff' behind periods, when I said about bleeding he was shocked and asked where we bleed from, do we just get loads of cuts on our skin that bleed... what?
Another myth that refuses to go away is about pregnancy during periods. Many assume it’s a safe time, which can lead to some unexpected surprises. While it’s less likely, it’s not impossible. That’s why understanding the menstrual cycle fully matters. Dr. Pradhan clarifies, “Many still believe a woman can’t get pregnant during her period. That’s not entirely true. While the chances are lower, s***m can live inside the body for days, and early ovulation can result in pregnancy. Always be informed.”
#22
that he did in fact need to attend a job interview to get a job. he said it’s fine because “he knows he’s capable” - yeah okay but they don’t??
Some folks think exercise and periods don’t mix, but studies say otherwise. Yet the myth persists, making many women feel guilty for working out. Dr. Pradhan notes, “Some people claim physical activity should be avoided on your period, but that’s outdated advice. Exercise can actually help relieve cramps and improve mood. Movement isn’t harmful; it can be beneficial.”
“While it’s easy to point fingers at men for not knowing enough, sometimes women also carry old, inaccurate beliefs. It could be due to culture, upbringing, or lack of education. But the point is, it’s time we normalize period conversations for everyone. Talking openly about it can change minds, break taboos, and even save lives,” concludes Dr. Pradhan.
#25
That it’s “out of the blue” and not “out of the bloom” (while I was breaking up with him)
#26
that you have to actually clean the bathtub with cleaning products, just because it gets filled with water doesent mean it cleans it
While there’s really no excuse, it’s somewhat understandable that some men don’t fully grasp how periods work. It’s not something they personally go through, after all. But still—these posts? They go beyond clueless. They show just how far some guys are from understanding even the basics. They are a wild ride through ignorance, comedy, and frustration. Which one of these made you laugh, cringe, or want to hand someone a biology textbook?
#28
he pointed to my head and said “there’s something in your hair” it was a bobby pin so i showed him how it worked and he said “oh i thought those were only in video games for picking locks”
#29
had to explain the concept of other people having emotions different than his step. by. step. with multiple examples „how would you feel in that situation?” „i’m not in that situation, what do you mean?”
#30
Washing the OUTSIDE of pans, plates etc… ?? “We don’t cook / eat on the outside of the plates so it does not have to be cleaned” ? Bro
#31
That the electricity turns off when the bill isn’t paid, there aren’t monthly ‘power outages’
#32
that Gnomeo and Juliet was actually based on a Shakespeare play and wasn't an original piece of media
Apatheist Account2 5 months ago
It's harder to convince people that The Lion King is also based on Shakespeare.
Cailyn B 5 months ago
It absolutely was NOT based on Shakespeare, you liar! /s
Load More Replies...
Michael Largey 5 months ago
And Shakespeare based Romeo and Juliet on someone's previous work.
#33
the difference between platonic and romantic feelings and i’m not even kidding he straight up told me he didn’t know the difference
Luke Branwen 5 months ago
I bet that his only two categories of relationships were "want to f@ck" and "don't want to f@ck"
#34
that a period isn’t an hour long
#36
I taught my first boyfriend how to make a cheese toastie and he said ‘you’ve changed my life’
Dusty's mom 5 months ago
I grew up calling them cheese toasties. Everyone else I've spoken to calls them grilled cheese. You made my day, OP! 🍞🧀
#37
How to empty lint from a dryer… you know… so it doesn’t go on fire
Wild Cream 5 months ago
Omg my last roommate. I noticed that every time I emptied the dryer lint for my own load of laundry, it was a lot heftier than usual. She had no idea you had to empty it because her family grew up very poor and drying clothes on a clothesline 😅 I taught her how to use the dryer controls but didn’t even think to mention she needed to empty the lint trap. She was embarrassed but I insisted it was my fault, how else could she have known 😂
#38
the months of the year in order….
#39
that twins weren’t just two ppl who happened to look alike; but, in fact, siblings.
#41
teaching my 18yo brother that you do in fact need to wash ur hands after using the bathroom. you cant just splash them with water and call it a day
Plant Wizard 5 months ago
Scientists did a great experiment where they painted the anuses of a group of volenteers with a special ultra violet paint and then everyone when about their day. At the end of 24 hours they used a blacklight to see where the paint had spread and in almost all cases it was ALL OVER THE BODY! This is with people who wash so imagine what it must be like if you dont.
#42
What the word “candid” meant. He told me it was cool that I knew so many “big words”
#43
how to change bedding.
Michael Largey 5 months ago
Watching someone fold fitted sheets is like watching a magician saw his assistant in half. You know it's completely an illusion, but you're impressed anyway.
#44
pickles don’t grow in the wild and are actually cucumbers
Nicole Weymann 5 months ago
Ther ARE different varieties of cucumbers, and the ones used for pickling are usually not the same kind that gets put in salads.
#45
That cleaning a glass stovetop with steel wool will, in fact, scratch it
Upstaged75 5 months ago
Well I didn't use steel wool, but I did scratch the glass stovetop cleaning up some eggs I spilled. 😫 Who the hell thought making that kind of surface easy to be damaged was a good idea?? I'd never had a glass one before.
#47
That several doesn’t mean exactly seven
#48
not an everyday thing but that the "cats are liquid" thing is a joke. as in, he thought cats literally turn from a solid to liquid when they fit in a small space...
#49
That women that like like typical feminine things like pink are not less intelligent just for liking something different
#51
that you do infact have to pay for WiFi and it doesn’t just come free with every house, his response? “wow that sucks, at least I never have that problem because I have wifi”
#53
If it says “refrigerate after opening” that means you have to put it in the refrigerator
Wild Cream 5 months ago
After opening! If you bought it off a shelf and haven’t opened it, you can store it on a shelf until you open it :)
#54
Your hair typically gets darker when wet. He noticed my blonde hair turned brown while in a pool
#55
that washington and washington d.c were infact not the same thing. same with mexico and new mexico
Rebecca Fouts 2 months ago
I've known airport employees who are unaware that New Mexico is a U.S. state. Same with Alaska and Porto Rico. They asked for passports!
#56
that me having a PTSD flashback isn’t me “thinking about other men” when i’m with him and doesn’t mean i don’t “feel safe” around him
KatSaidWhat 5 months ago
Yeah, I was thinking about other men then and my thoughts were horrible.
#57
boil water
#58
what misogynistic meant, he said, and I quote, 'can you guys stop using such big words? i don't understand.
#59
The freezer will defrost if you don’t close the door properly
#60
that you have to buy clothes detergent for the washing machine, not dish soap or showergel
#61
The you have to brush your teeth in the morning AND night (no doing it for twice as long one time a day is NOT THE SAME THING???)
and_a_touch_of_the_’tism 5 months ago
I mean, I have ADHD so it feels like a victory if I remember to do it once.
#62
That you should say hello to people who greet you at the door. How to cook pasta, how to spray cleaner on a table, how to have a basic conversation, basic words, how to stick food in an air fryer. my ex lol
Apatheist Account2 5 months ago
Saying hello I agree with, but I wouldn't stop a delivery driver to talk about pasta and cleaning tables.
#63
how to clip his nails… he just chewed them all (both fingers and toes) before i taught him
#64
Empathy
Dusty's mom 5 months ago
Everyday battle. His entire family lacks empathy. Biggest victory was him becoming our cat's favorite person! When a cat loves you you're doing it right.
#65
one of my male flatmates asked me if someone split something when i was mopping, like no you just have to mop sometimes???
#66
that shopping at walmart doesn’t count as thrifting
Kris Fireheart 5 months ago
These days, not even thrifting counts as thrifting. Stores have caught on and actually marked UP the prices. No more dollar shirts.
#67
that you can’t put a tin of beans in the microwave, they have to be out of the tin….
Kris Fireheart 5 months ago (edited)
Say this one louder, and include foil, metal containers, and the actual literal FORK sticking out of something. I've had seriously dumb roommates. I made them pay for the 3 microwaves we went through. Yes, 3.
#68
that he has to build a resume and references to have a big boy job… and can’t keep working “under the table” jobs for the rest of his life (he’s homeless now)
Kris Fireheart 5 months ago (edited)
Some people literally cannot do this, though. And I don't mean people who are undocumented. It's why telling someone who is homeless to "get a job" is like spitting at them. No permanent address? NO CHECK IN THE MAIL. no state ID or driver's license, because they don't have or can't afford to get copies of their documents? NO INTERVIEW. Sometimes under the table is all we've got. And no, even though there are "programs" and "services" they do NOT HELP EVERYONE. Welcome to the real world. Say 'hi' to everybody else in it.
#69
Which order to use shampoo and conditioner...
Jihana 5 months ago
Both ways are ok, it depends on the products and your hair. Once I had a REALLY heavy conditioner that left my hair greasier than before washing it, no matter how long I rinsed it out. I then started to use it before the shampoo and it worked like a charm. With other products I use the conditioner after the shampoo, or sometimes I use conditioner only to wash my hair. Don't gatekeep hair washing because you think 2 X chromosomes make you inherently superior when it comes to cosmetics.
#71
what ‘male loneliness epidemic’ meant. he asked why i was using such big words x
#72
That the term is “acid reflux” as in the regurgitation or a backwards flow of a substance. Not reflex… he was in nursing school btw.
What do you think ?
Trillian 5 months ago
I nope out at the phrase 'big words'. It's okay not to know certain specific terms if it's something you've never come across but don't make it sound like people are weird for knowing them. Ignorance isn't cute.
Plant Wizard 5 months ago
I think its because they dont like the fact that you might be smarter than them because you know words they dont. I have had that all my life since I have a large vocabulary. My mother put a dictionary in the bathroom and insisted I study it when i was in there. You learn a lot of words over the years. But I got laughed at and picked on a lot because I used them.
Load More Replies...
Lyone Fein 5 months ago
As long as little boys are treated differently than little girls this will continue to happen. It really isn’t a young man’s fault if no one has taught him certain basic things as part of his upbringing.
Sue 5 months ago
At a certain point, male or female, it is your fault if you don't pursue the knowledge yourself.
Load More Replies...
Ahnjunwan 5 months ago
In fairness, since i read a lot of period stuff here, for many men it is just not important since we do not experience it. That does not mean that all of us are completely clueless like some men on this list but it is also not something we casually come up with when we are talking to our mothers or aunts or sisters. I can at least not remember that any women had the desire to tell me how all of this works when i was a teen. I do not know if this is something you get teached at school in most countries but i agree, you should
Jaya 5 months ago
Yes, if they haven't learned it in s*x ed (or haven't got any s*x ed at all), how are men supposed to know? It's often treated as a taboo subject, so it makes sense for men to not take the initiative to ask a woman about it.
Load More Replies...
RM 5 months ago
I was in the supermarket once at the time when all of the new student were moving in and it was clear most of them had no idea. I listened to two lads in the laundry detergent aisle, they were starting at the detergent and fabric softener bottles, confused. "Do we even need fabric softener? I mean, what does it actually do, anyway?" The little sarcastic voice in my head was saying 'seriously, think it through, lads. It's called softener so what do you think it's going to do?' I didn't have the patience to explain laundry to them so I left them to it. It was just one of many stupid conversations I've heard during new student moving-in times, making me wonder why their parents didn't teach them basic life skills before letting them move away to go to university.
Roberta Surprenant 5 months ago
Married a bachelor in his forties, he won't LET me do his laundry.
gzhbw55gh9 2 months ago (edited)
I do not tolerate weaponised incompetence. If you do not know how that’s cool. I will teach you. If you think I should do it every time because I am ‘better at it’ then you will learn to be as good at it as I am.
Plant Wizard 5 months ago
Just add a couple of my favorites from my husband. 1. I bought a piece of rosewood furniture and he asked 'how do they grow the bushes so big to get wood to make furniture?' I had to explain it was the color of the wood NOT a rose bush. 2. He thought humans and dinosaurs lived at the same time. I thought only kids thought this. He was in his 60's when I discovered this one!
Rabbit Lord 5 months ago
Isn't that typical business logic: when it takes 9 month for one woman to give birth, two pregnant women only need 4.5 month for the same result? :D
Dan Holden 5 months ago
Ok these were pretty good. And a lot of them (particularly the ones about misoginists) were well deserved. But I can't help but wonder how this article would be received if it were titled "73 Times Men Had To Teach Grown Women Things They Should’ve Known Already". Just some food for thought.
Trillian 5 months ago
I nope out at the phrase 'big words'. It's okay not to know certain specific terms if it's something you've never come across but don't make it sound like people are weird for knowing them. Ignorance isn't cute.
Plant Wizard 5 months ago
I think its because they dont like the fact that you might be smarter than them because you know words they dont. I have had that all my life since I have a large vocabulary. My mother put a dictionary in the bathroom and insisted I study it when i was in there. You learn a lot of words over the years. But I got laughed at and picked on a lot because I used them.
Load More Replies... Lyone Fein 5 months ago
As long as little boys are treated differently than little girls this will continue to happen. It really isn’t a young man’s fault if no one has taught him certain basic things as part of his upbringing.
Sue 5 months ago
At a certain point, male or female, it is your fault if you don't pursue the knowledge yourself.
Load More Replies... Ahnjunwan 5 months ago
In fairness, since i read a lot of period stuff here, for many men it is just not important since we do not experience it. That does not mean that all of us are completely clueless like some men on this list but it is also not something we casually come up with when we are talking to our mothers or aunts or sisters. I can at least not remember that any women had the desire to tell me how all of this works when i was a teen. I do not know if this is something you get teached at school in most countries but i agree, you should
Jaya 5 months ago
Yes, if they haven't learned it in s*x ed (or haven't got any s*x ed at all), how are men supposed to know? It's often treated as a taboo subject, so it makes sense for men to not take the initiative to ask a woman about it.
Load More Replies... RM 5 months ago
I was in the supermarket once at the time when all of the new student were moving in and it was clear most of them had no idea. I listened to two lads in the laundry detergent aisle, they were starting at the detergent and fabric softener bottles, confused. "Do we even need fabric softener? I mean, what does it actually do, anyway?" The little sarcastic voice in my head was saying 'seriously, think it through, lads. It's called softener so what do you think it's going to do?' I didn't have the patience to explain laundry to them so I left them to it. It was just one of many stupid conversations I've heard during new student moving-in times, making me wonder why their parents didn't teach them basic life skills before letting them move away to go to university.
Roberta Surprenant 5 months ago
Married a bachelor in his forties, he won't LET me do his laundry.
gzhbw55gh9 2 months ago (edited)
I do not tolerate weaponised incompetence. If you do not know how that’s cool. I will teach you. If you think I should do it every time because I am ‘better at it’ then you will learn to be as good at it as I am.
Plant Wizard 5 months ago
Just add a couple of my favorites from my husband. 1. I bought a piece of rosewood furniture and he asked 'how do they grow the bushes so big to get wood to make furniture?' I had to explain it was the color of the wood NOT a rose bush. 2. He thought humans and dinosaurs lived at the same time. I thought only kids thought this. He was in his 60's when I discovered this one!
Rabbit Lord 5 months ago
Isn't that typical business logic: when it takes 9 month for one woman to give birth, two pregnant women only need 4.5 month for the same result? :D
Dan Holden 5 months ago
Ok these were pretty good. And a lot of them (particularly the ones about misoginists) were well deserved. But I can't help but wonder how this article would be received if it were titled "73 Times Men Had To Teach Grown Women Things They Should’ve Known Already". Just some food for thought.
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