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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Raising NAMALT comments, or any sort of feminism = being ghosted

114 replies

WishingYouAMerryChristmasToo · 29/09/2021 20:53

I don't do online -after multiple dick pics and ridiculous experiences.

I started dating an 'old' neighbour, not old in age, my age single, academic a former neighbour we both lived in the same village and have since moved-we had a lot in common -he asked me what I was doing one evening -I said I was plotting the storyline to a new book but this one was all woman -as I most recent books I'd read in this genre all had women being 'rescued' by the handsome vet/ next door neighbour etc all male. He replied 'but men are 50%' and I said 'yes but in this case I'm developing female characters, I don't like the idea of a woman expecting a man to rescue her -this woman gets her own problems sorted. He texted 'Not all men are like that ' I replied with a ? saying I wasn't taking about men but women. He asked me if I was 'one of those women' -I asked him to explain. He said 'not all men are taking over types etc' I again said it wasn't about men. He has ghosted me. After talking to me every day for a few months -I haven't heard from him for a couple of weeks. No reason.

I went on a few dates with another. Thought he was really kind. One date he told me he was sick of this 'men blaming culture' he is NAMALT and I said that's the point. Actually it's in everything male entitlement and not realising the fear we have. He said 'Women only get attacked if they aren't careful' eg not wearing short skirts etc -totally missed the SE case -as NAMALT. He must have realised it was finished but no apology and not back in touch (don't worry it's a vomit from me)

I'm feeling such a depression. I've spent 12 years alone apart for a 2 year relationship and marriage. I then spent 4 years alone and dated again -he was a cheater and a liar. Again I found friends telling me 'it was me attracting the wrong sort -or being too trusting'. I have boundaries but have yet to find a man who doesn't just shrug and gets it -gets my fear. gets my independence, doesn't want to change me etc..... it's always my fault for not finding said one. I have a full life, but yes I'd like a companion. But I'm thinking it's not going to happen for me. I have good boundaries and good confidence and I'm bright and intelligent. I just want an equal who respects and understands the violence woman are currently facing.

Where are they?

OP posts:
FaceForRadio1973 · 01/10/2021 09:55

But I as a woman cannot for example safely challenge a group of blokes where one or two or more of them are saying sexist or misogynist things - because I don't know if I will then be at risk.

But do you genuinely believe that many men feel safe to challenge a group of random blokes?

People of both sexes are violently attacked just for asking a gang of scrotes to stop kicking down their fence. Similarly for road rage.

You're right though, we all need to challenge attitudes and behaviours of colleagues and friends - People who we feel safe with.

The trouble seems to be that the ones that are "safe", probably don't need all that challenging?

youvegottenminuteslynn · 01/10/2021 10:06

@FaceForRadio1973

But I as a woman cannot for example safely challenge a group of blokes where one or two or more of them are saying sexist or misogynist things - because I don't know if I will then be at risk.

But do you genuinely believe that many men feel safe to challenge a group of random blokes?

People of both sexes are violently attacked just for asking a gang of scrotes to stop kicking down their fence. Similarly for road rage.

You're right though, we all need to challenge attitudes and behaviours of colleagues and friends - People who we feel safe with.

The trouble seems to be that the ones that are "safe", probably don't need all that challenging?

To be clear I specifically said that men need to do this with people they know. That's where the most change will happen because the people making remarks that are sexist / chauvinist / misogynist will be most likely to change their attitude if their male peers / friends / colleagues call them out - as such men tend to obviously dismiss and belittle women.

How many blokes knew that monster was nicknamed 'the rapist' and joined in / stayed silent as friends and / or colleagues. Multiple ones.

That's why men need to stand up and speak out within their friendship groups or workplaces - because they need to challenge people they know when they say these things and can do so more safely than women AND being challenged or shunned by men they know is going to give them more cause to rethink their attitude than a woman they don't know like me walking up to them and challenging them.

RantyAunty · 01/10/2021 13:30

Choccy start your own thread.

Ohsugarhoneyicetea · 01/10/2021 14:30

To be honest I don't think they exist, or if they do it's in vanishingly small numbers. Males are raised in a culture where they are the action hero's of their story and anything that challenges that narrative is met with a predictable aggression.

Better to accept you cant have it all, maintain your independence and find someone who ticks the boxes you want ticking - i.e enjoyable company, good in bed, financially independent, helpful etc See them when you want to, and just accept them at face value for that.

Expect a nuanced understanding from males of what its like to be female in this world, and disappointment is bound to follow. In my 50 years Ive dated 2 men who I would say were 'feminists' or allies. They were both about as capable as a sausage dog. If Id stayed with them it would have been me doing all the earning and all the unpaid work. Anecdotal of course, but I think better a man that thinks he's Superman and you're Lois, but actually gets shit done. Although I highly recommend the not actually living with one to have the best of all worlds (although of course financially it can be tough).

Choccy01 · 02/10/2021 22:27

[quote youvegottenminuteslynn]@Choccy01

But two things, 1. do you challenge bad female behaviour 2. From my experience women aren't necessarily attracted to the good guys. They are attracted to a group of men which disproportionately then appear to represent the behaviours that are claimed to apply to all men.

Ah see you really aren't getting it.

Again you've brought the conversation back to female behaviour and females being culpable for male behaviour.

FWIW yes I do challenge males or females when they say something sexist, misogynist, racist etc if it is safe for me to do so eg I know them. But I as a woman cannot for example safely challenge a group of blokes where one or two or more of them are saying sexist or misogynist things - because I don't know if I will then be at risk.

That's why men need to stand up and speak out within their friendship groups or workplaces - because they need to challenge people they know when they say these things and can do so more safely than women AND being challenged or shunned by men they know is going to give them more cause to rethink their attitude than a woman they don't know like me walking up to them and challenging them. We get laughed at, told to lighten up, threatened and the perpetrators mates more often than not stand by silently. It's time for men to be more horrified by misogyny and sexism than they are by the idea of pissing off a sexist and misogynist mate.

And I don't like 'bad boys' and your comments on that are very nice guy syndrome with a blanket view that women are attracted to men who display the behaviour we are discussing, so we are to blame for those men's behaviour somehow.

In MY experience as a woman, most women are not more attracted to men who say sexist, misogynist, derogatory things. Most (the vast, vast majority) women would be turned off someone if they knew they had nicknamed a colleague 'the rapist'.

If you can state as you have done above when speaking about 'women' that 'they are attracted to a group of men' who display the negative behaviours we've discussed then I can only imagine you're either hanging out with the wrong people or you're misinterpreting anecdata - for example on MN there will always be way more women posting about arsehole men than nice men because why would someone start a thread about a relationship that has no issues and is loving and kind? That doesn't mean most women have chosen to be with arseholes.

And finally, please try to see that you've brought the conversation back entirely to female culpability. To women doing 'the wrong things' or not doing enough.

We are EXHAUSTED. We've tried so very hard to explain all of this for decades and have had responses with the behaviour you've displayed on this thread alone - dismissal, minimisation and consistent NAMALT or blaming women for male behaviour.

We are so tired. [/quote]
Maybe I don't get it from your perspective but you perhaps don't get it from mine either. I would argue it's more that I do get it and don't agree (and vice versa).

I can only speak for the workplaces I've been at and the type of behaviours you describe have long been put out to pasture. Not that people don't still hold those views but you simply can't display them as if.you did you wouldn't last 5 minutes.

I'm not blaming women for bad male behaviour. The thread was started by somebody stating they were struggling with dating as they were getting a hostile response to some of their views. My only real comment in that regard was that perhaps downplay it a bit (the views), just a suggestion mind.

I've seen behaviours of males and females. I've seen the good and bad. I'm much more astute when it comes to dating etc and perhaps much more successful than when I was younger as I've learnt from my experiences. I also think because I genuinely believe that you treat other people with respect, decency but not necessarily feel the need to agree with them. You can respect difference as long as you aren't too far apart.

My point is that many 'modern men' have learnt from their Dad / Grandad's generation and adapted behaviours accordingly. But are still told its your fault because of x,y and z. It's still not good enough. If I've understood correctly you are saying that things havent gone far enough and men have a lot more work to do. I'm saying that whilst that is true in certain regards in other regards it's the modern attitudes of women which is wrong and it's nothing to do with women being accountable for male behaviour. It's women being accountable for their own behaviour. That last bit is what men are wising up to (accountability). Whether you agree with that or what you make of it is entirely up to you. I'm just stating that's where a lot of male thinking is at for my generation and I've seen more than enough to know that to be true.

NiceGerbil · 02/10/2021 22:33

Choccy do you have any ideas on how the OP, as a woman who is interested in women's rights, can meet a man who doesn't run for the hills at finding out that she has feminist views?

NiceGerbil · 02/10/2021 22:37

And for OP-

I got mine in the pub as well! All mine were from pubs and clubs :)

If I were single now I wouldn't do online dating. I know it works sometimes. But all my friends have not met anyone decent and wasted time getting to know men who turned out to be lying about important things eg married.

Real life is better. The old join a club etc cheesy but I mean better than dick pics etc! Any single friends? Get out and about! Activities, beer tasting I mean loads of stuff. And you'll have a great time even if you don't meet anyone!

NiceGerbil · 02/10/2021 22:43

The other really good news is that having met my now DH in the pub. I'm a fairly obvious crazed feminist. And let's face it. Any woman who says something even slightly in support of women is seen immediately under suspicion of being a manhating witch with no sense of humour who is domineering and shouty.

Anyway. He listens to the things I say about topics. Sometimes he's interested usually just lets me go on. Generally agrees the thing is rubbish. Totally happy with me going to feminist conferences etc. Sometimes gets a bit NAMALT and then we have a good to and fro about stuff.

NiceGerbil · 02/10/2021 22:49

On choccys point.

Once on the topic he was saying boys men get stuff too. I said yes I know it's a different sort of thing though. That's a big point. The inherent threat of sexual violation is different to an honest punch in the face, iyswim. And I'm not convinced that men actually get the same amount of shit.

So we listed them. I had loads of things starting from age 12. Not 'microaggressions' by the way. In your face really scary/ illegal things.

He had two or 3.

Anyway. OP they are out there. I really strongly say ditch internet do real life. Don't hide that being interested in politics esp women's rights. Let the wankers weed themselves out. Also avoid any who say oh yes I'm a feminist too etc they are usually dicks.

A nice normal man will respect your interest and listen, as you would for his interests. And if he disagrees will discuss it with you properly.

Good luck!

Thisisworsethananticpated · 03/10/2021 14:27

Men get incredibly touchy about this topic don’t they ?

I don’t get it , it’s like admitting this happens is a personal affront to them

I don’t know how we can change the culture when it’s such a way

WishingYouAMerryChristmasToo · 03/10/2021 14:42

@NiceGerbil

And for OP-

I got mine in the pub as well! All mine were from pubs and clubs :)

If I were single now I wouldn't do online dating. I know it works sometimes. But all my friends have not met anyone decent and wasted time getting to know men who turned out to be lying about important things eg married.

Real life is better. The old join a club etc cheesy but I mean better than dick pics etc! Any single friends? Get out and about! Activities, beer tasting I mean loads of stuff. And you'll have a great time even if you don't meet anyone!

This is me right now. I’ve relocated so I’m working on all My friendships and network but I’m going to make it crystal clear from the off I’m a feminist end of - I went to Waterstones a huge one in a big city - literally massive - how many books on feminism - a handful between the selfish gene and a book about equations - literally 10 bookcases on science either side and my hand outstretched covered the feminist literature. We need to make it mainstream, I’m going to be unapologetically open me and any man that runs - good 👍
OP posts:
NiceGerbil · 03/10/2021 16:31

Good luck!

Keepithidden · 03/10/2021 17:36

"I don’t get it , it’s like admitting this happens is a personal affront to them"

It's because it is, I thought the same when I first joined MN, it took me a while, probably too long, to see the difference and to recognise class analysis versus personal accusation. It's not easy recognising you're part of an oppressing class. Of course that doesn't excuse anything it's just "reasons".

youvegottenminuteslynn · 03/10/2021 17:53

@Choccy01

I'm saying that whilst that is true in certain regards in other regards it's the modern attitudes of women which is wrong and it's nothing to do with women being accountable for male behaviour. It's women being accountable for their own behaviour. That last bit is what men are wising up to (accountability).

Men are "wising up to" women expecting more of men you say... the entitlement dripping from that statement is staggering.

I took time and care in my previous posts to you in order to be polite and try to explain what you seem to be missing. But you don't really want to see it, acknowledge it, change it. You want a pat on the back for being decent and you aren't in fact being decent at all.

You've minimised, dismissed and trivialised women's concerns on this thread alone and repeatedly made the situation all about men being hard done by / women being at fault.

"It's the modern attitudes of women which is wrong" Dear god, did you manage to type that with a straight face?!

My eyes cannot roll any further back into my head when I hear MRA / redpill statements like that.

Good luck with everything, maybe write this stuff on your dating profiles so women know from the start how you feel about them and their 'modern attitudes'. Those pesky wenches. 👍🏻

MissChanandlerBong81 · 03/10/2021 20:22

Well done you for sticking to your standards. They are out there and you don’t have to change yourself to find them.

Honestly, I think you get a disproportionate number of bitter woman-hating ‘I’m such a nice guy’ types on online dating and real life is better.

Choccy01 · 03/10/2021 22:04

[quote youvegottenminuteslynn]@Choccy01

I'm saying that whilst that is true in certain regards in other regards it's the modern attitudes of women which is wrong and it's nothing to do with women being accountable for male behaviour. It's women being accountable for their own behaviour. That last bit is what men are wising up to (accountability).

Men are "wising up to" women expecting more of men you say... the entitlement dripping from that statement is staggering.

I took time and care in my previous posts to you in order to be polite and try to explain what you seem to be missing. But you don't really want to see it, acknowledge it, change it. You want a pat on the back for being decent and you aren't in fact being decent at all.

You've minimised, dismissed and trivialised women's concerns on this thread alone and repeatedly made the situation all about men being hard done by / women being at fault.

"It's the modern attitudes of women which is wrong" Dear god, did you manage to type that with a straight face?!

My eyes cannot roll any further back into my head when I hear MRA / redpill statements like that.

Good luck with everything, maybe write this stuff on your dating profiles so women know from the start how you feel about them and their 'modern attitudes'. Those pesky wenches. 👍🏻 [/quote]
I don't agree with you. It's terrible isn't it.

I haven't trivialised women's concerns. I know they are real and I dislike them as much as the next right thinking person. I've actually called out bad behaviours in real life, the kind of stuff you are asking men to do. I did so at personal risk as well as the person in question had a pretty bad track record.

Yeah I get it you can't entertain male rights etc as your focus is female rights. It doesn't invalidate my views.

youvegottenminuteslynn · 03/10/2021 22:21

@Choccy01

I don't agree with you. It's terrible isn't it.

I'm not hugely bothered what you think, I'm just saddened there's another 'but I'm a good guy' out there who feels an attack on societal misogyny is an attack on them. Spoiler alert... it's only an attack on YOU if you're a misogynist. You know, the kind of people who say things like 'it's the modern attitudes of women which is wrong'.

I haven't trivialised women's concerns.

Yes you have. Repeatedly.

I know they are real and I dislike them as much as the next right thinking person.

You clearly don't or you wouldn't be making a fool out of yourself like this.

I've actually called out bad behaviours in real life, the kind of stuff you are asking men to do.

So you should.

I did so at personal risk as well as the person in question had a pretty bad track record.

So you should.

Yeah I get it you can't entertain male rights etc as your focus is female rights.

And there it is. You show yourself for what you are. A man who sees a woman focusing on female rights as a threat to men's rights. If you aren't a misogynist / sexist / chauvinist and ACTUALLY believe men and women are equals then guess what... women focusing on women's rights wouldn't be a negative or threatening or scary to you.

It doesn't invalidate my views.

It simply shows them for what they are.

Outdated.
Sexist.
Misogynist.
Chauvinist.

Seriously, put your position on this on your dating profiles so women know what they're getting into. If you don't think you're being anti-women then there shouldn't be an issue expressing your thoughts as early on as possible so they have the option to run away.

Choccy01 · 03/10/2021 22:22

@NiceGerbil

Choccy do you have any ideas on how the OP, as a woman who is interested in women's rights, can meet a man who doesn't run for the hills at finding out that she has feminist views?
Feminism is the idea of equality as I understand it. I don't think men would per se have an issue with it. I think downplay it a bit at first and probe round the area to see if he's a dick or not. I went on a date recently with someone and it became apparent she had some feminist leaning views, just comments in passing. I've not run.for the hills (yet!).

I think maybe don't make an agenda of it.

I would also maybe listen to the man as well. His wife may have left him, she may not have acted well and whilst he will hold his hands up for this share of the breakdown of the marriage/relationship perhaps accept it wasn't just him.

The hardest thing I think quite often for those of.us a bit older (I'm around 40) is that when we go on a date we are doing so with someone that has been through what our ex has been through or something similar.

So for example this date I had recently I explained the process I'd been through for child access (she'd had the same with her ex). She admitted she hadn't always been the most reasonable when it came to child related matters. I admitted I struggled with my ex. We kind of both acknowledged it and actually managed to laugh about it a little. Neither of us started criticising the other just accepted we both had flaws.

youvegottenminuteslynn · 03/10/2021 22:22

@Choccy01

Yeah I get it you can't entertain male rights etc as your focus is female rights.

Genuine question - what 'male rights' do you you think are being taken away by people focused on 'female rights'?

Specifically what 'rights' are men missing out on?

youvegottenminuteslynn · 03/10/2021 22:26

Feminism is the idea of equality as I understand it. I don't think men would per se have an issue with it. I think downplay it a bit at first and probe round the area to see if he's a dick or not. I went on a date recently with someone and it became apparent she had some feminist leaning views, just comments in passing. I've not run.for the hills (yet!).

Wait so you've said you understand that feminism is the idea of equality.

Then said a woman you've had a date with has 'feminist leaning views' so presumably she believes in the idea of equality, as you've defined it.

So what on earth about that would even remotely have you considering mentioning that you haven't 'run for the hills (yet!)' as if you're being gracious in doing so?

If you genuinely believe men and women are equals and should be treated as such (aka feminism as defined by the dictionary and you) then surely a woman being a feminist would have that in common with you... whereas you've clearly implied it hasn't put you off enough so you're sticking around, rather than seeing it as a positive?

Choccy01 · 03/10/2021 22:33

[quote youvegottenminuteslynn]@Choccy01

I don't agree with you. It's terrible isn't it.

I'm not hugely bothered what you think, I'm just saddened there's another 'but I'm a good guy' out there who feels an attack on societal misogyny is an attack on them. Spoiler alert... it's only an attack on YOU if you're a misogynist. You know, the kind of people who say things like 'it's the modern attitudes of women which is wrong'.

I haven't trivialised women's concerns.

Yes you have. Repeatedly.

I know they are real and I dislike them as much as the next right thinking person.

You clearly don't or you wouldn't be making a fool out of yourself like this.

I've actually called out bad behaviours in real life, the kind of stuff you are asking men to do.

So you should.

I did so at personal risk as well as the person in question had a pretty bad track record.

So you should.

Yeah I get it you can't entertain male rights etc as your focus is female rights.

And there it is. You show yourself for what you are. A man who sees a woman focusing on female rights as a threat to men's rights. If you aren't a misogynist / sexist / chauvinist and ACTUALLY believe men and women are equals then guess what... women focusing on women's rights wouldn't be a negative or threatening or scary to you.

It doesn't invalidate my views.

It simply shows them for what they are.

Outdated.
Sexist.
Misogynist.
Chauvinist.

Seriously, put your position on this on your dating profiles so women know what they're getting into. If you don't think you're being anti-women then there shouldn't be an issue expressing your thoughts as early on as possible so they have the option to run away. [/quote]
I don't know where to start I really don't.

If someone dares disagree with you they are the worse kind of misogynist.

Choccy01 · 03/10/2021 22:35

@youvegottenminuteslynn

Feminism is the idea of equality as I understand it. I don't think men would per se have an issue with it. I think downplay it a bit at first and probe round the area to see if he's a dick or not. I went on a date recently with someone and it became apparent she had some feminist leaning views, just comments in passing. I've not run.for the hills (yet!).

Wait so you've said you understand that feminism is the idea of equality.

Then said a woman you've had a date with has 'feminist leaning views' so presumably she believes in the idea of equality, as you've defined it.

So what on earth about that would even remotely have you considering mentioning that you haven't 'run for the hills (yet!)' as if you're being gracious in doing so?

If you genuinely believe men and women are equals and should be treated as such (aka feminism as defined by the dictionary and you) then surely a woman being a feminist would have that in common with you... whereas you've clearly implied it hasn't put you off enough so you're sticking around, rather than seeing it as a positive?

I said it tongue I cheek
youvegottenminuteslynn · 03/10/2021 22:37

@Choccy01

I said it tongue I cheek

Sure you did, buddy. 'Banter' strikes again, eh? It's ok, you make it clear what kind of bloke you are and it makes you easy to spot for those of us who don't want to associate with men who don't believe women are their equals.

So thanks for that at least, I guess.

Theunamedcat · 03/10/2021 22:41

Tongue in cheek?

We see you

youvegottenminuteslynn · 03/10/2021 22:49

@Theunamedcat

Tongue in cheek?

We see you

We see them so clearly. Didn't even attempt to respond to my points.

'It was banter' / 'take a joke' brigade out in force. Incel / MRA / tell me someone rejected you without telling me someone rejected you.

Women don't owe men sex and / or a relationship. They'd do well to remember that, but they won't.