The internet is littered with complaints about men from bitter women, and sadly, the bitter men are following suit.
Growing up, I was surrounded by endless gossip, feminized media (where men are shown as bumbling idiots), and movements perpetuating anti-male sentiments, all reinforcing the narrative that men were always the problem in relationships. At the same time, women were portrayed as innocent, helpless victims.
It takes two to tango, and there are exceptions to the rule too, where some women are forced to marry unsavoury men due to various circumstances.
In the interest of presenting a balanced view, here are some of the biggest complaints shared by men. These men were married to women who were also guilty of contributing to the problems in the relationship, reflecting the struggles they faced:
1. She never apologised: Every mistake was brushed under the rug on her side, leaving me in a perpetual state of seeking amends.
2. She never took accountability: It was always someone else’s fault, never hers, creating a one-sided dynamic.
3. It was never her fault: It felt like living in a gas-lit distorted reality where she was the perpetual victim and I the silent culprit.
4. She had unrealistic expectations: Her demands were often unrealistic and left no room for human error or understanding.
5. She was hard to please: No effort was ever good enough to meet her expectations, making the relationship exhausting.
6. She lacked appreciation: The lack of gratitude for efforts made was demoralising and disheartening and made me feel lonely.
7. She gave overbearing criticism: Her words cut deep, leaving a trail of self-doubt and a longing for approval that never came.
The narratives shared above shed light on the nuanced and complex nature of relationships, illustrating that blame cannot be squarely placed on one gender.
In a world quick to point fingers, it’s imperative to acknowledge the shared responsibility in nurturing a healthy relationship.
According to the Office of National Statistics, 1 in 3 victims of domestic abuse victims are male. However, the charity ‘Mankind’ reports that half of male victims (49%) fail to tell anyone they are a victim of abuse fearing shame and not being taken seriously. Therefore, in reality, the figures may be a lot higher.
These accounts from men underscore the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and communication in maintaining a harmonious partnership, and challenge the often one-sided discourse prevalent on the internet.
Through open discussions and empathy, there is hope for shifting away from blame-games towards a more balanced and fair understanding of relational dynamics.