10 Things Men Are Allowed To Do More Freely Than Women

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While enjoying my daily scroll, I found a fun question. What is something men can freely do that people typically judge women for doing? The internet responded by delivering this list of double standards.

1. Choosing to Live Child-Free

Many Redditors noted that the men in their families were treated less harshly for choosing not to have children. One explained, “My wife and I do not want children. She is judged more harshly than I am. However, I’ve heard my fair share of ‘oh, you’ll change your mind’ in my life.

The significant difference is that the topic of having children comes up far less with me than it does with her.” Another added, “I think ‘you’ll change your mind is on a different scale to ‘there must be something wrong with you. Why do you lack maternal instinct?'”

2. Being Topless

There are many nuances in the idea of equality between men and women. One more notable is why it’s inappropriate if a woman is topless when it is normal to see a man topless while jogging or swimming, etc.

One user recalled, “I was at a concert of the band Heilung last Friday. They always bring a small army of warriors, male and female, and they’re considered equal. However, they only wear pants and have their upper body painted.

So when I first saw them years ago, I thought, ‘oh, the women are topless too?’ However, there was nothing remotely sexual about this show. It’s fantastic that this band wants to show those female and male warriors are equal.

But of course, if you Google pictures of the shows, you won’t find many pictures of the female warriors on the internet because it’s not societally acceptable.”

3. Eating Portions

Someone confessed, “Growing up, my family shamed me about what I ate or the portions I was served. Eventually, this caused me to fall into an eating disorder that lasted most of my teenage years until I turned 16 and moved out.

My Grandmother was worse than anyone else. Since I had trouble eating, I’d turn to snack foods, for which she would further shame me. My brother, however, was given extra portions and coaxed into eating more because ‘growing boys need to eat.’ I did too.”

4. Aging

One woman described her anger for the societal norm that women are torn down more for their age than men. She wrote, “it’s because of the media portrayal of aging men.

We are more used to seeing them. Also, people tend to objectify women. That’s why there is a belief that women have to look perfect. However, a woman’s worth is still based on how appealing she looks in this world (especially to people with low emotional intelligence).

When it comes to men, people tend to close their eyes on their imperfections because they’re human, not objects of gratification (women).”

5. Not Shaving

Someone suggested that everyone has hair. It’s seen as rugged for a guy to skip shaving. Yet if a woman doesn’t shave, people assume she is unclean and shamed. It was a common theme amongst the commenters that the upkeep of the hair is more hygienic than shaving.

Shaving has many negative aspects, including uncomfortable razor burns, ingrown hairs, and worse. In addition, shaving products geared toward women are more expensive simply because of the pink tax.

6. Shaving Their Heads

Unfortunately, women are looked down upon for shaving their heads, whereas it is a normalized idea with men. Many women indicated they shave their heads for medical reasons or even to be free of hair upkeep. Good hair products are expensive, and most are not easily attainable.

7. Farting

“Farting, I need a woman that will fart with me, so I’m not the only one,” said one. “Couples that fart together stay together.” Seriously, several agreed that passing gas is a natural bodily function and no one should remain uncomfortable holding them in or be forced to walk away.

8. Being Emotional

Several people mentioned how women’s opinions tend to be invalidated by men assuming she is too emotional. These women explored how men can state their opinion in any tone they choose.

Yet, when a woman decides to reply with anything more than a neutral tone, she is dismissed for being too emotional. This is because many men assume that emotions make it impossible for a woman to make a decision.

One added, “Suppressing your feelings doesn’t get rid of them. Also, emotions don’t make you weak.”

9. Being Angry

Several women discussed how anger is not allowed in a woman. Otherwise, many men assume it is related to their PMS. A few men even agreed women aren’t taken seriously if angry because they are dismissed and made fun of for a bodily function.

10. Being Overweight

Finally, one shared that being overweight is much easier for a man than a woman. But, unfortunately, women are more commonly shamed when relatives say things like, “you’re never going to get a man looking like that,”

Or, “you could get any man you wanted if you just lost thirty pounds.” They concluded that people shame women for taking up too much space.

What do you think? Did Reddit get this right, or is something significant missing from this list? This article is inspired by the internet and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Motherhood Life Balance.

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Featured Image Credit: Deposit Photos – iuricazac.