Breaking the Gender Mold: 24 Habits Women Have That Men Need to Adopt
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Gender norms have gone out the window! Gone are the days of women staying home and having dinner on the table by five or men using only bar soap for their hands, faces, and bodies.
There are, however, some things women still do that men don’t dare time. But, recently, on Reddit, a user asked the question, “What’s a women’s thing men should absolutely start doing?” With over 30k responses, we rounded up some of the best.
Skincare
A good skincare routine isn’t just for women. Men can also benefit from adapting one.
One Redditor commented, “Skincare, what’s so bad about looking younger when you’re older.”
A second added, “I was at a taco joint in Denver and the dude said, “out here, even tough guys moisturize.”
Sewing
Do you know of men who can sew?
A user commented, “Sewing. Sewing is awesome. I learned basic sewing to make some bow ties for my wedding, and it’s an extremely rewarding skill that allows you to repair clothes, save money, and it’s superb meditation.”
Another said, “Not only repairing clothes but basic tailoring. I learned how to do it on YouTube, and it’s a game changer as a guy with broad shoulders that make every shirt fit like a trash bag.”
Compliment Each Other
Why don’t men compliment each other more often?
A Redditor replied, “I do this with my co-workers. “Looking sharp today, Phil” is all it takes to make a day.”
Another Redditor said, “My aunt has been teaching my uncle how to be more in touch with his emotions. One day, he told my PawPaw/his father (a rugged and grouchy Iñupiat man) that he had beautiful skin. PawPaw stared at him for nearly 30 seconds before leaving the room.”
Haircare
A real haircare routine, shampoo, conditioner, hair mas,k etc.
One user commented, “Now that I’m growing my hair out a little longer, I didn’t know how much I was missing out on not using hair conditioner.”
A second Redditor replied, “I’ve been using the 3 in 1 stuff for years. I just thought my hair was feeling a little crusty the last month or so, but it’s probably been an issue for years that I just didn’t notice til my hair started thinning pretty badly. I bought a bottle of conditioner four days ago, and the difference is unimaginable. Just did it on a whim. Never turning back.”
Yoga
We can all benefit from better joints and mobility as we get older.
A user commented, “Yoga, especially as you get older, wish I had started sooner.”
A second one said, “Just started going with my wife a month ago. My joints are a mess, and it really has helped already.”
Sunscreen
Apply that sunscreen, men! It’s not cool to burn.
A Redditor commented, “I’ve worked outdoor construction for the last 16 years, and I’m the only one in the company that wears sunscreen daily. And all the other guys make fun of me for it. Idiots lol”
Another said, “Sunscreen, yes! My husband is so hygienic and cares about his appearance, but this is the one thing!!”
Pedicures
Pamper those feet and you’ll be amazed at how they feel. Self-care is for everyone.
A user replied, “My husband never really did pedicures before we met, and the first time I did one for him, he was in love with it.”
A second user added, “I’ve (35 M) have been meaning to try a mani/pedi for years. Maybe the time has come.”
Seeing a Doctor
One Redditor commented, “Going to the doctor before they are at death’s door.”
Another replied, “My physician told me that married men live like five years longer than unmarried men (or something like that) because of their wives forcing them to be seen.”
Sex Sounds
Is it all the women making noises?
A user added, “Make noise during sex. Not even dirty talk- a moan or any words of encouragement would be enough.”
A second user replied, “Not only will moaning probably excite your parter a lot but it really feels better for yourself as well. Just like screaming on a roller-coaster makes much more fun..”
Cry
Let it out, boys. It’s ok to cry.
One Redditor commented, “I work in a kitchen full of men, and it’s quite sad to listen to them tell each other that they can’t cry. Or that they are not supposed to do so. I don’t know who came up with this, but I fight that “concept” every chance I get. As a result, most of them feel safe sharing their emotions with me. Even crying.”
Another Redditor added, “I am emotional, and I do tear up a tiny bit at movies, but actually crying? I just don’t know how to anymore. Like even if I wanted to I don’t know that I could”
A third said, “I keep seeing videos of Street interviews about “would you still love your man if he cried/was emotional” or something like that. And the majority of the women mentioned they did lose some respect for them.”
Man Purse
I don’t understand why these aren’t more popular. Where do men put all their stuff?
A user replied, “I (man) started carrying a purse satchel years ago and never looked back. I’m a new man. Breath stinky? Boom here’s some gum. Headache? Boom here’s a pill. Phone dead? Boom here’s a charger. My little bag carries so much and has saved me so many times!”
Another added, “Indiana Jones has one.”
Finally, a user commented, “I just carry a backpack everywhere I go. I don’t know why people think a backpack is something you grow out of. It’s so weird to me. It can hold my laptop, umbrella, and all sorts and it’s still super light and easy to carry.”
Mental Health Help
This one is upsetting. We all suffer from mental health issues here and there and men should be just as comfortable voicing it as some.
One Redditor replied, “Being more mindful and getting help for mental health.”
A second Redditor added, “As a woman who is leaving her husband because he has zero self-awareness and refuses to go to therapy, this is the one. Put this up there at the top with “go to the doctor before you are are dying.”
Use Chapstick/Lip Balm
Nobody likes chapped lips!
A user commented, “Guy here, I’ll say use lip balm/chapstick.”
Another user replied, “If you’re like me and chapstick just dries out your lips more, use Aquaphor. Even in the worst of chapness it only takes about a day to heal fully, and then I don’t have to apply it again.”
Talk About Feelings
A Redditor commented, “Talking about their feelings with each other being more open as friends between them.”
A second Redditor said, “My friend realized this dynamic between him and his dad and decided he was going to start saying I love you every time he left or got off the phone. His dad started saying it back, then got comfortable with it. I think a lot of these guys grew up in a time when men didn’t say that to their kids, so we gotta coax it out of them.”
Go To Therapy
One user replied, “Not a women’s thing but a lot of women start therapy, and it’s something guys should do too. I found that most men I know refuse to do it”
Another said, “Yeah. I view therapy as something for serious trauma, grief, or disorders. I can’t imagine going for the heck of it.”
Cooking
A Redditor commented, “cook for themselves..in the regions of the world where men still think its a “women thing” ITS A LIFE HACK.”
Another comment read, “Every adult should know how to cook. No adult should ever expect to be cooked for unless they are paying for the service. It’s that simple.”
SAH Dads
A user replied, “Stay at home dad.”
A second user added, “This should be more normalized. The few stay at home dads I knew when my kids were little would get some shade sometimes. They were great to know and have help out with the PTA.”
Wash Their Butt
This one took me by surprise.
One Redditor replied, “Washing your butt.”
A second added, “As a man who has always washed his butt, I didn’t know that some men don’t until I was like, 30, and that’s weird to me.”
A third Redditor commented, “I’m seeing wash your butt mentioned so many times because it is a real issue, guys, please pay attention.”
Buy New Clothes
A user commented, “Buying clothes when they should be replaced. I see so many men with holes in their socks and shirts with stretched collars please just get new ones instead of putting it off lmao.”
Another said, “I’m guilty of this (besides the socks, that’s heathen like.). Growing up poor, we always stretched clothes as long as possible, and the behavior has followed me over the years. I’m definitely getting better at it, but it sure was a tough one”
Pee Sitting Down
It’s cleaner and easier no?
One user said, “Pee sitting down, so there isn’t piss all over the toilet seat, floor, wall, etc”
A second user replied, “I’m the one that cleans the toilets in my house. You better believe I sit down 99.9% at home.”
Wash Their Hands
A Redditor commented, “As a dude, not washing your hands after using the bathroom. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.”
A second Redditor said, “This totally grosses me out! I see so many men go from the urinal or stall straight to the door. This is why after washing my hands, I use a paper towel to open the door.”
Wear Makeup
A user commented, “I wish it was viewed as less weird to wear makeup as a man. I’d love to rock some guyliner to make my pretty eyes pop even more.”
Another user said, “Just do it. I have an ex that loved to apply it on me. But she did small dots instead of a solid lines. Makes it way less obvious but still makes them pop. Could give that a go.”
A third chimed in with, “The more people do it, the less weird it becomes.”
Blowdry
One Redditor replied, “Blow dry. Just a few seconds is all it takes. Hit your whole body after you towel off and before you get dressed. Game changer :)”
A second Redditor said, “You can try a diffuser. It goes pretty fast if you have shorter hair, but still looks great with the proper technique.”
Hugging
The world wants more hugs.
A user replied, “Giving more hugs.”
Another user said, “I’m a hugger with my friends of all genders. It’s even better than a nice solid handshake.”
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