11 Things That Are Acceptable in Women but Frowned Upon in Men

In a world full of double standards, what is something that people deem acceptable in women but frowned upon in men? After someone polled the internet for examples, these are the top-voted responses.

1. A Child Needs a Mother’s Love

Many fathers on Reddit agree that one of the most egregious lines thrown at them is, “a child needs a mother’s love.” As a result, it is challenging for men to receive custody in court.

Even unfit mothers are typically looked at more highly than fathers who do their best. A child needing a mother’s love is often an excuse for the mother having more claim over raising the child, and everyone agrees a child need’s a father’s love, too.

2. Assuming the Father is Only Giving the Mother a Break

Many good fathers care for their children and act accordingly. Dads take their children grocery shopping, to the parks, to doctors, and to every other activity moms take their children to.

However, unfortunately, many assume the father is “giving the mother a break” when being a good dad and spending time with their child.

3. Men Are Viewed More Harshly For Mistakes in Parenting

Women are given more grace during parenthood than men. Today, many agreed that men are viewed more harshly for mistakes made during fatherhood since some tasks typically fall on the woman.

It is common for women to build each other up and be understanding of the hardships involved in being a parent. However, they will be just as quick to talk harshly of a dad trying his best.

4. Bathing Their Own Child

One suggested that being a single father in the world is one of the most challenging jobs, both physically and mentally. Yet, when a woman bathes her children, regardless of gender, it is considered normal in the public eye.

However, when a single father asks for advice about shampoo or products for bathing his young daughter, people assume he is doing something disgusting. Some men work hard to be good dads, so allegations like that can take an immense toll on them.

5.  Playing Outside With Children in the Family

One man explained that he and his girlfriend played tag with his nieces. Then, an old woman they didn’t know approached the young girls and asked, “Do you know this man?”

He admitted to being very taken aback, and the girlfriend told the woman off. The older woman made no implications about the woman playing with them, only the man. Afterward, he was forced into thoughts such as, “Did I do something wrong?” Not every man has bad intentions.

Several others agreed that many couldn’t even give their children affection without receiving weird stares from onlookers, unlike my wife, who can kiss the kids without a second glance. It has made bonding with their children in public very difficult since everyone has an opinion.

6. Walking a Dog and Allowing Kids to Approach

One user was at the dog park with his Labrador mix. Some children playing with the dogs ran over and asked to pet his dog. He kneeled to hold the dog’s harness and allowed them to pet him.

The kids were asking questions, so it was helpful that he was at their eye level and could hear them. After that, a woman followed him to the dog gates and threatened to call the police if he ever did that again.

She assumed he was acting sinister. But, rightfully, he allowed more children to pet his dog, and the woman found a police officer who heard both sides and told her that she was being ridiculous.

7. Smiling and Waving Back

Another confessed that one day, he bought food for his family at the grocery store while a young girl was shopping with her mom. She decided to wave at the man.

Since he has always loved kids, he happily smiled and waved back to the little girl. However, her mother gave him a disgusted look and left the store, even though he was only behaving friendly.

8. Being a Domestic Violence Victim

Several suggested that being a domestic violence victim isn’t accepted the same way for men as it is for women. One elaborated that when their friend’s wife assaulted him, some of their friends were like, “He probably started it” Many people don’t believe women can be vicious and men can be domestic violence victims.

9. Fashion Exploration

“Exploration in every kind of fashion,” shared one. “Especially as someone who enjoys dance, it’s been remarkable to see how women can wear anything as long as certain parts are covered.”

Several other men agreed that they feel judged for straying away from the basic tees, polos, and button-up shirts. 

10. Stay At Home Dads

It can be seen as admirable and exciting when a woman stops working to care for her children. However, if a man stops working to stay home, people consider him lazy or not having his priorities straight.

Unfortunately, due to these outdated social constructs, many men reported feeling they cannot stay home and spend time bonding with their children even if their wife works and attains a much higher-yielding job.

11. Age Gaps

Many male users stated that age differences in relationships are viewed differently between men and women. For example, suppose a man was to date a woman more than two years younger than him. 

Popular Reading: 10 Surprising Phrases Your Partner Is Using to Gaslight You

In that case, many judge it as an inappropriate relationship. However, if a woman was to have the same age gap, it usually isn’t a hot topic.

What do you think? Did Reddit get this right, or do you disagree with the double standards on this list? This article is inspired by the internet and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Motherhood Life Balance.

More From Motherhood Life Balance:

• What is the 333 Angel Number Meaning?
• 10 Things That Make a Man Insanely Unattractive According to Women
• 10 Things Men Admitted They Will Never Understand About Women

Featured Image Credit: Deposit Photos – Wavebreakmedia.