Men may not even be aware of it, but there are some specific phrases that they think are rude only when a woman says them.
Here are 8 of them:
1. “No, thank you.”
Many women are people-pleasers, and society encourages them to avoid saying “no” throughout their lives. As a result, women are often characterized as rude or harsh when it comes to setting their own limits, compared to men, who are collectively praised for being stubborn and assertive.
2. “I am speaking.”
Researchers found that men who interrupted others were considered confident and passionate, while women who made similar interruptions were labeled "rude, less friendly, and less intelligent."
3. “Thanks, but I don't need any help.”
A study from the Journal of Management Development found that intelligence in women often manifests as assertiveness and sheer self-confidence—two traits that are highly off-putting to men driven by stereotypical gender norms and beliefs. Therefore, the above phrase could quickly be considered rude by an insecure man.
4. “It’s unfair.”
According to one study, men who express anger over what they consider injustices experience an increase in perceived status and competence, compared to women who are consistently perceived as having lower status and less competence.
5. “You have to do this.”
Studies show that women are much more likely to be labeled as "boss" with negative connotations in the workplace, despite exhibiting similar or the same behaviors as men in the same positions.
Like many of the other phrases that men think are rude only when a woman says them, simply asking someone to complete a task, focus on their work, or be productive can lead men to believe that a woman is inherently rude or "bossy" — even if she's doing her job.
6. “I can’t stand you talking to me like that.”
Instead of feeling empowered to speak their mind and confidently express their needs, girls and women are encouraged to be pleasant, calm, and smiley – held responsible for appeasing men who crave power, dominance, and control. Therefore, any woman who goes against this is perceived as “rebellious,” “uneducated,” and “wild” from a male perspective.
7. “It was just a joke.”
The same phrase that many men rely on to justify their teasing is one of the phrases that men think is rude when a woman says it. When they are offended by a joke and their male friends or colleagues use this phrase, they are less likely to hold a grudge, but when a woman uses it, they are considered rude or unattractive.
8. “You are too dramatic.”
It's important to acknowledge that many of the phrases that men think are rude only when a woman says them aren't necessarily healthy to use in relationships and conversations, but they're still important to acknowledge as a symptom of gender double standards.
When the script flips and they are forced to confront the same insults and assumptions they perpetuate towards women, it can feel uncomfortable for them, disorienting, and lead to a defensive approach.
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Source: YourTango
