Social Issues,SocietySEP 25, 2025

"Age, Past 35": 38 Things That Are Normal For Men But Taboo When Women Do Them

Depending on whether you're a man or a woman, the way you walk through this life can be wildly different. In 2017, Pew asked Americans what qualities they value most in men and in women.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, most respondents said that physical attractiveness, being nurturing, and being empathetic are the top traits for women. For men, the top three are honesty, morality, and professional success.

It seems like we all still have a long way to go when it comes to traditional gender roles. For instance, there are a lot of things men think women might never understand about being a man.

But this time, we're shining a light on the things that are deemed normal when men do it, but somehow weird if a woman does it. We've found the most interesting answers from folks in the thread where one netizen asked: " What are men allowed to do but when women do it it's a big no-no?" and present them to you here!

Read More: "Age, Past 35": 46 Things That Are Normal For Men But Taboo When Women Do Them

#21

Woman resting in bed in a cozy bedroom, illustrating age past 35 lifestyle and habits considered normal for men.

Be ugly/unkempt.

Commercial_Stage_603

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#22

Woman and man aged past 35 using digital devices indoors, illustrating age past 35 social dynamics and behaviors.

Have opinions.

Kaurifish

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#23

Young woman looking stressed holding a pregnancy test, illustrating age past 35 social taboos for women.

Ask for an abortion.

Vast-Website

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#24

Young woman in blue tank top with long hair, showing surprise, illustrating age past 35 gender norms and taboos.

Burping. if i let out a big belch, my dad commends it. if my sister does the same thing, he is disgusted and says “that’s not cute :/“

edit: just for clarity, my dad would do literally anything for my sister or i, we constantly talk about how grateful we are to have him. this is the ONLY thing i’ve ever seen him say to her, and she’s never told me she has any ill feelings toward it, just something i noticed. it doesn’t make it okay but rest assured she wouldn’t trade him for anyone.

NecessaryNumerous821

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#25

Young boy in a blue shirt resting head on arms outdoors, illustrating age past 35 social norms for men and women.

Abandon their kids!

bzubavicius

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#26

Young woman in a black tank top with long hair, posing thoughtfully, illustrating age past 35 and gender norms.

Nothing. Women can do it all, men just won't let them.

Weeshi_Bunnyyy

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#27

Woman placing ring on man's finger, highlighting age past 35 and social norms differences between men and women.

Date or marry much younger men.

bonitaycoqueta

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#28

Close-up of a confident man in a vest and tie, illustrating age past 35 and behaviors normal for men but taboo for women.

Probably to over explain something in depth, but do it in a way that is completely wrong or backward. Men love to do this, and they’re good at it, but when women do it they seem to get called out 🤔.

LSIeducate

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#29

Man in casual clothes sitting and talking with a woman, illustrating age past 35 social norms and gender taboos.

Control their reproductive rights?

Current-Depth8223

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#30

A man and woman in a serious discussion illustrating social norms and age past 35 differences between genders.

Show agitation at the office or in meetings.

aenim

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#31

Confident woman over 35 wearing a black blazer with arms crossed, illustrating age and gender social norms.

After reading many saying "Have an opinion", it just clicked for me why women are naturally so indirect with their communication!

I always wondered why they won't just be direct with men, especially in relationships or when dating.

You'all been conditioned into doing this by society! 😂.

Multi_Trillionaire

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