We are all guilty of doing this – using our gender as an excuse to shy away from specific behaviors.
And most of the time, like when the girlfriend asks her boyfriend to fix something that she’s perfectly capable of solving on her own, we don’t really care what’s going on.
Especially in the context of relationships, there is a certain degree of old-fashioned decision-making that both genders willingly accept.
Sometimes playing gender roles, while not politically correct, can actually be rewarding for each partner.
For example, if a woman needs a little extra help or assistance, it’s attractive when the man steps in and willingly takes care of her, and it’s equally important to his masculinity that he can do these things for her.
There will always be exchange and return in all relationships on both sides, that’s how couples work.
Regardless of whether you agree or not, women are capable of doing certain things that would not be good for men to do (and vice versa).
And while that may seem troubling, it can also be quite empowering (at least for the dominant gender).
Here are the adult relationship double standards that women can get away with far more than men.
Because sometimes life just isn’t fair.
1. Let The Guy Make The First Step
Let me paint this picture for you: it’s late and both parties are tired but want to spend the night together.
After some back-and-forth about who is going where, which partner finally decides to make the first step?
The guy.
He is showing that he wants her and that she is comfortable, and will do whatever it takes to get there.
She won’t say no to an invitation.
2. Teasing With Clothes
Most men don’t take fashion seriously and therefore won’t be offended when women make fun of their clothing choices.
Women, on the other hand, fully believe that their wardrobe is an extension of who they are and therefore take fashion very seriously.
When a man teases her about her clothes, it’s a very real and sensitive kind of insult.
Men, please note that the high-waisted shorts she wears are meant to tease, not to compare to diapers.
3. Being a Bad Driver
We’re not saying all women are bad drivers, but if a woman is, it’s not a fundamental quality.
In fact, it justifies your excuse for not having to drive anywhere.
If he’s a bad driver, it destroys every race car fantasy she’ll ever have with him.
4. Never Starting a Conversation
Especially in the beginning, when games are quite common, women can feel very intimidated or needy if they are the ones who usually start the conversation first.
She wants the man to be a gentleman and expresses that he wants her by asking her on a date.
She won’t text The Man first, but that’s only because she expects The Man to do so.
When you’re together, trust us, she’ll return the favor.
5. Using The “I Don’t Know” Excuse
Girls like to make a fool of themselves for a variety of reasons: attention, laziness, or manipulation.
When she says she “doesn’t know” how to use the remote, she’s more likely to want the guy to do it for her.
This might set us back a few feminist decades, but in some ways, it’s actually used to our advantage.
She knows what she’s capable of, which also includes pretending she doesn’t.
6. The Menstruation Excuse
Also known as a “headache” in some older circles, the period excuse is pretty self-explanatory.
Beware of the menstrual cycle that lasts longer than 10 days.
This is usually a bad sign….
7. Hanging Out With The Boys
She has a longtime group of guys she’s totally comfortable with, and most of the time so does he (or at least he’s pretty good at pretending he is).
However, the reverse is more unlikely, as boys are generally less interested in dating only girls.
Just another way for women to win.
8. Feeling Insecure
When a girl shows her vulnerability by admitting she’s feeling a little insecure, she’s really just expressing her need for extra support, be it emotional, physical, or financial.
And if he’s the man in her life, he’s going to want to show her that extra affection.
When the guy is feeling insecure, however, it can be a huge disadvantage for the girl he’s dating, especially when it escalates into a bigger behavioral problem.
A slightly insecure girl needs someone to trust, but a slightly insecure guy needs to learn some independence.
9. Getting Jealous
When a girl gets jealous, it can be considered “cute” and “non-threatening” or even “flattering”.
When a guy gets jealous, he’s seen as “baseless” and “controlling”.
10. Pretend
This just comes down to the gender discrepancies in anatomy.
Men who fake it and get away with it must be really, really good (or bad?) at what they’re doing.
11. Not Saying What She Means
Women can be very difficult to find out, which is even harder when we don’t fully disclose how we’re feeling.
Men are generally understanding and insightful when she withholds her opinions from her partner.
Women, however, will demand from their partner the whole truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth until it is finally revealed.
12. Playing The Damsel In Distress
To the horror of feminists everywhere, women still act helplessly in specific situations to get what they want.
Men, on the other hand, are only too happy to help.
And while it comes at a personal cost, she won’t complain about seeing him lifting heavy things and doing the hard work for her.
13. Purchases
Women can easily justify spending an exorbitant amount on any piece of clothing, accessory, and shoes.
If a man enjoys new acquisitions, he had better have the money to buy them.
14. Wanting Lots of Things
She occasionally acts like a princess because many Disney movies have made her like that and said she’s worth it.
And he goes above and beyond for her because it really feels good to treat her that way.
It’s not about putting high demands on her all the time, it’s about satisfying her every now and then and enjoying it.
15. Flirting for a Drink
She’s not doing it to piss him off or make him jealous, she’s simply doing it because she can and it’s free.
Guys, don’t argue just because you can’t do it.
16. Forcing You To Participate In A Really Feminine Activity
She’s pretty good at convincing you to watch the latest rom-com with her or ice skating or wearing matching socks while holding hands and watching Netflix.
But that’s a relationship, and that’s what it means to put someone else’s needs above your own.
She just wants him there and by her side.
Lucky for us, girls, he doesn’t feel the same way when it comes to football and poker night.
