What may be perfectly acceptable for a man can be taboo for a woman. It’s a tricky situation—the discrepancy between how men and women are approached often comes from a good place. People want to look out for women, and men feel pressured to be chivalrous. The result? Some stark differences in how men and women experience the world. These 12 situations, which are normal for men but very weird for women, reveal some surprising double standards.
Wearing the Same Outfit to More than One Event Without Anyone Noticing
When women celebrities wear the same outfit to more than one event, the media often comments negatively on it. The same pressure exists for women who aren’t famous. For weddings, parties, corporate awards ceremonies, festive dinners, and everything in between, people feel comfortable pointing out that a woman has worn the same outfit more than once. For men, it’s a different story. They can wear the same suit on several occasions without anyone noticing.
No One Assumes You Can’t Lift a Heavy Object
A man can lift a heavy box or shift the couch without interruptions. But when a woman tries to do the same, men often rush to take over and do it for her, even when it’s obvious they aren’t as strong as she is. A “helpful” man may go so far as to snatch the heavy object out of her hands after she’s lifted it.
Another Man Doesn’t Take Over Your Home DIY
There is a prejudice that women aren’t handy with tools. If a man sees a woman fixing a leaky tap, it’s not unusual for him to take over the task, with or without consulting her. The all-too-common belief is that she won’t do it “properly.” But when a man fixes things around the house, people leave him to it.
Being in Public with Visible Body Hair
The stigma around body hair on women being “gross” is deeply ingrained in society. In contrast, visible body hair on men is perfectly acceptable and not seen as unhygienic.
Not Being Called Brave When You Go Camping
Outdoorsy, intrepid, self-reliant women who don’t need a male escort when they go camping? Contrary to popular belief, women can go camping alone. Unfortunately, there is a bias in society that makes people doubtful of women’s capabilities and independence. Men, however, can go camping without anyone questioning whether they will cope.
No One Blinks an Eye When You Eat Out Alone
Dining alone as a woman elicits questions and even gossip. People wonder, often out loud, if the woman got stood up by her date or if she’s a “spinster”—a sexist term and idea. There is often an element of pity; people assume the woman is lonely. Men are usually seen as naturally independent and entitled to alone time, so when they dine out by themselves, no one blinks an eye.
People Don’t Ask How You Balance Work with Family Commitments
It seems like every business interview with a woman features the question, “How do you achieve work/life balance?” or “How do you manage being a working mom/wife?” On the other hand, if you asked a man the same questions or what it’s like to be a dad or husband, they would probably think it a joke or, worse, be insulted.
No One Calls Out Your Graphic Tees
In men’s clothing stores, you can almost always find T-shirts with graphics of pin-up-type women, a voluptuous lady’s silhouette, or a Baywatch babe on the front. Men feel comfortable wearing these T-shirts in public, even to family get-togethers. A woman wearing a T-shirt with a muscular, near-naked man emblazoned on the front to lunch with the in-laws? She’d shock everyone around her and may even be asked to change into a more “suitable” outfit.
Declining an Invitation to a Baby Shower Without Being Seen as Rude
When you think of baby showers, do you see men at the party? Chances are, the picture that comes to mind is of a group of women cooing over onesies. As a woman, if you decline a baby shower, it can be seen as very rude. The woman expecting might even be offended, thinking you aren’t happy and excited for her. Men are often not even invited to baby showers, and no feelings are hurt if they decline an invitation.
You Feel Safe When Traveling Alone
When a woman tells others excitedly about her upcoming solo trip, concerns about her safety inevitably come up. If a man does the same, people around him share his excitement. Women often don’t feel safe traveling alone, while men are known to pack their bags without hesitation—downloading safety apps and emergency numbers usually doesn’t even cross their minds.
Relieving Yourself in Public
Urinals, or “pissoirs” as they say in Paris, are normal to men. They relieve themselves next to strangers in public without a problem. For a woman, it’s certainly not seen as acceptable to urinate in public.
Telling Rude Jokes is Acceptable
Men telling rude and toilet jokes is funny (and almost expected). But women talking about what happens between the sheets and in the restroom is taboo. It’s seen as crass when a woman uses explicit language or tells dirty jokes—it’s probably why many women comedians are seen as controversial, to some.
Double Down on Double Standards
Do we want to flip the script and challenge double standards? Maybe we can throw out the comments about repeat outfits and solo women diners. And perhaps public urinating should be taboo all around.
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