The Quiet Pressures Of Society
Why does being a man or woman always come with a set of expectations that make things difficult for everyone? Although everyone has their own set of likes and dislikes, both women and men can often feel pushed toward certain hobbies, habits, foods, events, and social expectations simply because those things are treated as “normal” for them. Here are just examples of each that seriously need to be stopped!
1. Elaborate Beauty Routines
Most people believe that women enjoy having long beauty routines. From skincare to makeup, hair styling, nails, and beauty appointments, society has women feeling like they're supposed to treat it like "self-care." Some might find it relaxing, but for others, they're expensive, uncomfortable chores. Some prefer keeping it simple!
2. Shopping As A Recreational Activity
Shopping is often presented in books, movies, and social media as a fun bonding activity for women, but not everyone wants to spend hours browsing racks or comparing shades of the same sweater. Some women genuinely love the experience, but others only want to buy what they need and go home.
3. Bridal Showers And Wedding Events
There’s sadly a lot of pressure for women to be thrilled about every wedding-related gathering (even if it's not their own), from engagement parties to bridal showers and bachelorette weekends. These events can be lovely, and you can be happy for the couple, but they're also expensive, take lots of energy, and are full of societal expectations not all women want or appreciate.
4. Wine Culture
Wine nights are often treated as a default pleasure for women, especially in social settings where relaxation is tied to a glass of rosé. You often see it in movies as the must-needed "girl's night." Sure, plenty of women enjoy wine, but that should never be assumed about someone, especially when tos of women don't!
5. Talking About Babies And Pregnancy
Society has told women that they're expected to be naturally fascinated by anything pregnancy-related, whether it's babies, parenting details, or what it means to be a mother. Some women who know they want kids might love talking about it, but there are many who feel trapped and pressured by this societal idea.
6. Group Photos And Posing
There can be a surprising amount of pressure for women to participate enthusiastically in group photos, selfies, and carefully arranged poses. After all, many associate the act with being "feminine" or "girly." The reality is, the activity has nothing to do with gender, and wanting fewer photos doesn’t mean you’re not having a good time.
Apostolos Vamvouras on Unsplash
7. Dressing Up For Every Occasion
Just like how they're expected to love a long beauty routine, women are also often expected to enjoy dressing up. It doesn't matter if it's a formal or casual event, society tells women that choosing outfits, doing hair, applying makeup, and coordinating accessories are meant to be part of the fun.
8. Rom-Coms And Romantic Storylines
Sometimes also seen as "chick flicks," even what women consume for media isn't safe from society. People always assume that they naturally love romantic comedies or emotional love stories, and while many women do, they also love thrillers, documentaries, action films, horror, and more!
9. Brunch As A Personality Trait
Brunch can be fun, but there's nothing about it that should scream women have to love and enjoy it. Enjoying a delicious weekend meal should be welcome to everyone, and if you prefer sleeping in and eatling leftovers instead, there's nothing wrong with that either.
10. Being Emotionally Available All The Time
Society repeatedly paints women to enjoy deep conversations, emotional check-ins, and being the person everyone comes to for support. These are important and meaningful, but that kind of trust can come from anyone you love and respect. You can be compassionate but still need your own quiet, boundaries, and personal space.
1. Watching Every Major Sports Event
Many men feel pressured to enjoy sports, especially the big games everyone talks about at work or family gatherings. Society has made it so that it feels tied to masculinity, which can make some uncomfortable when not knowing the score or state of the sport is treated like a personality flaw.
2. Grilling And Barbecue Duties
Men are always expected to enjoy taking charge of the grill, even if they're not good at it. Grilling can be satisfying, but it can also come with pressure to perform like a backyard chef. Not every man wants to debate charcoal versus gas or act deeply moved by a set of tongs.
3. Cars And Car Talk
A lot of people associate car talk with men, going so far as to assume that all of them love talking about engines, models, modifications, and repair costs. Some men really do, but others only care that the car starts, stops, and doesn’t make a new sound every week.
4. Beer As The Default Drink
While women are expected to love a girly cocktail or sangria, men are also doomed to societal expectations when it comes to drinks. They're often expected to enjoy beer, especially at parties, sporting events, and casual hangouts. It's the worst when preferring something fruitier or sweeter comes with judgment.
5. Action Movies With Endless Fighting
Apparently, the world believes that men don't care about emotional or deep movies, just ones with explosions, car chases, and plenty of dramatic one-liners. And they might love those films, but there's room to enjoy those alongside other genres that people don't associate with being "masculine."
6. Bachelor Parties
Men can feel pressured to enjoy bachelor parties that involve loud bars, late nights, and activities they wouldn’t normally choose. They're supposed to be thrilled by the idea it's supposed to be a legendary night, but in reality, many men might prefer something more low-key, like a dinner or a game night!
7. Fixing Things Around The House
There's a reason why the word is handyman and not handywoman. Many men are expected to be good with DIY, even when most don't have a special interest in tools, repairs, or YouTube tutorials about leaky faucets. Sadly, society has built the belief that there's something inherently masculine about it.
8. Competitive Everything
Most people know both men and women can be competitive about pretty much anything, yet men are the ones that are always expected to be this way and it's considered unfeminine for women. Not every man cares about needing to dominate, win, or turn every event into a tense battle. Sometimes, having fun is the goal, and that’s allowed to be enough.
9. Expensive Watches And Status Gadgets
It's considered a manly hobby to appreciate high-end watches, tech gadgets, gaming setups, or luxury accessories as signs of taste and success. And while those things can be enjoyable, they’re not meaningful to everyone, and it especially shouldn't be determined by gender.
10. Acting Like Nothing Bothers Them
Compared to women who are expected to be emotional and sensitive, men are pressured to be calm, tough, and unfazed by everything. This kind of expectation can be particularly damaging when it makes it difficult to admit they're stressed, hurt, or overwhelmed. There's nothing unmasculine about letting your feelings out, and it's about time society stopped reinforcing it.
