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Don't do it, bro. Have some respect for yourself.
By Alex Alexander — Written on Dec 07, 2022
Gather ‘round, gentlemen. Allow me to raise a scotch (single malt, please) for you
Somehow we’re all wading through this Tinder-sized dating landscape with relative success. We have adeptly adjusted our footwork to dodge the Feminist landmines which litter the tall grass between us and, you know, romantic normalcy.
We’ve done an OK job of learning how to be respectful (and generally non-repulsive) to the fairer sex. There are caveats, though, and of these, we must be wary.
Shifting gender roles in America has kept us on our toes. If you were raised “traditionally” as I was, it leaves you at a cross-road when it comes to decorum. To examine gender roles is to examine our interactions with one another.
With this in mind, it’s important to remember that there are standards you should still adhere to. Have some respect for yourself and heed this sage advice, lest ye will be walked upon in her Louboutins.
Here are 9 things no self-respecting man should ever do for a grown woman:
1. Let her guilt you into anything
Bear with me, I know this is easier said than done. She put that puppy dog face on, or worse, was flat-out adamant about your Friday evening itinerary which did not include her. A relationship isn’t about spending time with each other for the sake of doing it. If she’s baselessly leveraging you into sh*t, you need to check yourself (because you have wrecked yourself, dude).
2. Adjust to the whims of her parents
Listen, her dad’s going to hate you whether you’re wearing a sweater vest, suit, or poncho, or if you show up buck naked with a handle of tequila. You need to manage her expectations in this regard — she fell in love with you and that’s who should be present when you meet her parents. No self-respecting man puts on a show for anyone.
3. Carry her purse while you’re shopping with her
I know you paid for that Chanel bag. This fact doesn’t make you look any less pathetic toting it while she peruses for more needlessly expensive wares for you to buy for her. Oh, on that note…
4. Don’t try to buy your way into her pants
You’re buying stuff for her? Treat your lady well — I’m all for it. However, going H.A.M. outfitting this girl in couture is troublesome. You’re no one’s ATM and this is 2022 — a girl wants a new pair of shoes, she should be able to afford it.
5. Be intimidated by feminists
Feminism really is the “F” word to some of you. Feminism is a movement for the empowerment of women. You should love that. Why? Because it means if or when you find a wife, she’s going to complete you emotionally. It’s a movement that is great for women and men; it’s not an army of angry lesbians looking to castrate and maim you.
6. Start fights in public
Shouts to all my brothers out there that have been in the dreaded, but necessary, Dysfunctional Relationship.
I capitalize that because a DR is an event of such magnitude that it constitutes a proper noun.
Here’s the thing with these: They should happen once or twice in college — and then never again. If by day, you’re a well-adjusted (and gainfully employed) agreeable human being, and by night you’re playing verbal abuse ping-ping with your girl … you’re getting it wrong. Don’t be dragged to that level. However, if this dysfunction is your fault, you deserve it.
7. Financially ruin yourself for show
This is different than spoiling her needlessly. If you can’t afford to date … you can’t afford to date. Be single, eat ramen, and spend what little you have in the gym.
8. Forget who’s important
Chasing a new girl? Long-term relationship? Cool. Don’t forget who fed you while you were in diapers, though. Don’t forget who lent you money when you were broke. Don’t forget who helped you move into your new apartment. If I were a betting man, I’d bet that all of those people aren’t the girl you’re currently in a relationship with.
We have a habit of imagining people to be more important than they really are because of how they make us feel.
Think about how much time people spend showing how important they are to one another … flowers, cards, dinners, clothes, spending time together. You don’t have to try that hard with your buddy who helped you in a pinch. The people who are effortlessly close to you are more important than the dime at the end of the bar. Choose wisely.
9. Forget that this is all supposed to be fun
Women are awesome. Why are you stressing?
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Alex Alexander is a pseudonym. The author of this article is known to YourTango but is choosing to remain anonymous.