The Double Standards Of Dating: 17 Things Women Can Get Away With That Men Can't

We’re all guilty of doing it -- using our gender as an excuse to get away with specific behaviors. And most of the time, like when the girlfriend asks her boyfriend to fix something she is perfectly capable of solving on her own, we don’t really mind that it’s going on.

Especially in the context of relationships, there is a certain degree of old-fashioned ruling that both sexes willingly abide by.

Sometimes playing into gender roles, no matter how un-politically correct it sounds, can actually be fulfilling to each partner.

For instance, if a woman needs a little help or extra assistance, it’s sexy when the man steps in and voluntarily takes care of her, and it’s equally as important to his masculinity that he can do these things for her.

There will always be give-and-take in every relationship from both sides, that’s how couples work.

Regardless if you agree with it or not, women are able to do certain things that wouldn’t be okay if men did them (and vice versa). And while this may sound troubling, it can also be quite empowering (at least to the dominant gender).

Here are the double standards of adult relationships in which the women can get away with a lot more than the men. Because, sometimes, life just isn’t fair.

1. Making the guy come to the girl

Let me paint this picture for you: It’s late and both parties involved are tired but want to spend the night together.

After some back and forth about who is going where, which partner ultimately decides to make the move? The guy. He’s showing that he wants her, and for her to be comfortable, and he’ll do whatever it takes to get there. She won’t say no to that.

2. Teasing him about his outfit

Most men don’t take fashion personally and, therefore, won’t be offended when women harmlessly make fun of their outfit choices.

Women, on the other hand, fully believe that their wardrobe is an extension of who they are and, thus, they take their dressing pretty seriously.

When a man teases her about her clothes, it is a very real and sensitive kind of insult. Men, please take note, those high-waisted shorts she’s wearing are meant for flattery, not diaper comparison.

3. Being a terrible driver

We’re not saying all women are bad drivers, but if a woman is, it’s not a make-or-break quality. In fact, it legitimizes her excuse for not having to drive anywhere.

If he’s a poor driver, it shatters every racecar (Ha! A palindrome!) fantasy she’s ever going to have of him.

4. Never initiating

Especially in the beginning, when playing games is fairly common, women might feel too intimidated or needy if they are often the ones to reach out.

She wants you to be the gentleman and to express that you want her by asking her on a date. She won’t text you first, but that’s just because she expects you to. Once you’re together, trust us, she’ll return the favor.

5. Using the “I don’t know” excuse

Girls like to play dumb for a variety of reasons: attention, laziness or manipulation. When she says she “doesn’t know” how to build an IKEA table or how to use the remote control, it’s most likely because she wants the guy to do it for her.

It might set us back a few feminist decades, but in some respects, it’s actually used to our advantage. She knows what she’s capable of, which also includes pretending she doesn’t.

6. The period card

Also known as “the headache” in some older circles, the period excuse is one that is pretty self-explanatory. Beware the menstruation cycle that lasts longer than 10 days, though. That’s usually a bad sign….

7. Tagging along with the boys

She’s got her long-standing group of guys that she feels totally comfortable being with, and for the most part, he does too (or at least is really good at pretending he is).

The reverse is more unlikely to happen, however, as boys are generally less interested in hanging solely with the girls. Just another way we women are #winning.

8. Using sex as a tool

Deny a woman sex and she’ll figure out other ways to satisfy herself. Deny a man sex and he’ll be at your mercy, begging for it.

The bedroom battle isn’t the most sophisticated way to get what you want, but it’s definitely effective.

9. Feeling insecure

When a girl shows her vulnerability by admitting she’s feeling a little insecure, she’s really just expressing her need for her significant other to give her extra support. And if he’s the man in her life, he’ll want to show her that additional affection.

When the guy is feeling insecure, however, it can be a huge turnoff to the girl he’s dating, especially when it escalates into a larger behavioral issue. A mildly insecure girl needs someone to depend on, but a mildly insecure guy needs to learn some independence.

10. Getting jealous

When a girl gets jealous, it can be written off as "cute" and "non-threatening" or even "flattering." When a guy gets jealous, it’s viewed as "unfounded" and "controlling." Sorry guys, you can’t win ‘em all.

11. Faking it

This just comes down to the gender discrepancies in anatomy. Men who fake it and get away with it must be really, really good (or bad?) at what they’re doing.

12. Not saying what she means

Women can be really hard to figure out, which is made even harder when we don’t fully disclose how we’re feeling.

Men are usually understanding and perceptive when she withholds her opinions from her partner. Women, however, will demand from her partner the entire truth, whole truth and nothing but the truth until it is finally revealed.

13. Playing the damsel in distress

To the horror of feminists everywhere, women do still act helpless in specific situations to attain what they want.

Men, on the other hand, are all too happy to oblige. And while it does come at a personal cost, she won’t protest him lifting the heavy stuff and doing the dirty work for her.

14. Shopping sprees

Women can easily justify spending an exorbitant amount on any article of clothing, accessory and shoes. If the man splurges on new digs, he better have the cash and swagger to back it up.

15. Wanting too many things

She’s going to occasionally act like a princess because enough Disney films have made her this way and told her she’s worth it. And he’ll go above and beyond for her because he genuinely feels good treating her that way.

It’s not about placing high demands all the time, it’s about indulging her every once in a while, and taking pleasure in that.

16. Flirting for a drink

She’s not doing it to piss him off or make him jealous, she’s simply doing it because she can and it’s free. Guys, don’t rant because you can’t.

17. Forcing you to partake in a really girly activity

She’s really good at convincing you to see the latest rom-com with her or go ice-skating or wear matching snuggies while holding hands and watching Bravo. But that’s relationships and that’s what it means to put someone else’s needs above your own.

She just wants him there and by her side. Lucky for us girls, he doesn’t feel the same way when it comes to fantasy football and poker night.

Photo via We Heart It