10 Things That Are Considered Normal for Men but Taboo for Women
Certain behaviors are seen as completely acceptable for men but spark judgment when women do the same. Social norms tend to shift slowly, and expectations for women often trail behind. These ten everyday behaviors show how gender still plays a surprising role in what’s seen as “appropriate.”
Going Shirtless in Public
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Men take their shirts off in parks, on sidewalks, and during backyard chores, and no one bats an eye. Women doing the same is still illegal in most states. While cities like New York allow topless equality, social reactions lag far behind the law.
Letting Body Hair Grow Naturally
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Unshaven legs or armpits don’t attract much attention in men. On women, though, it’s treated like a rebellion. Surveys have shown that body hair on women is still widely seen as unclean or unattractive, even though it’s entirely normal. The double standard gets reinforced in everything from commercials to gym lockers.
Not Smiling Much
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A neutral expression on a man’s face is just that. On a woman, it gets called “resting bitch face.” A 2015 study from Northeastern University found that people perceive smiling women as more likable than non-smiling ones, a pressure men rarely face.
Eating Large Portions Without Judgment
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A woman with a loaded plate draws comments about self-control or metabolism. A Cornell University study showed women tend to eat less in mixed-gender settings—often unconsciously. No one clutches pearls when a man orders a double cheeseburger and fries. Women are still navigating how not to be “too much.”
Wearing the Same Outfit Repeatedly
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Barack Obama wore the same tuxedo for multiple state dinners, and no one cared. Female celebrities, on the other hand, are expected to debut something new every time. If a woman repeats an outfit too soon, people notice and often judge.
Camping or Traveling Alone
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When men take solo trips, it’s seen as adventurous or self-reflective. Women doing the same are often asked if they’re safe or why they’re going alone at all. Even when taking the same precautions, women face more unsolicited warnings and second-guessing for solo travel.
Peeing in Public (or Standing Up)
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Public urination is illegal either way, but socially, men get away with it more often. There’s an unspoken understanding that if nature calls, they can just find a tree. Women attempting the same face not just awkward logistics, but far more public judgment.
Showing Gray Hair Proudly
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Silver hair adds “wisdom” to men and “age” to women. George Clooney gets admired for going gray. A woman with the same look is told to try a new stylist. A 2021 report from L’Oréal showed that 76% of women felt social pressure to dye their grays.
Being Loud or Angry in Public
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A man expressing anger is often described as assertive or passionate. A woman doing the same risks being labeled “hysterical” or “over-emotional.” They are more likely to be criticized for tone, even when saying the same things as male colleagues.
Being “Too Into” Sports
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Men who memorize player stats or scream at the TV during a game are passionate fans. When women do the same, their knowledge is often doubted. Sports forums and Twitter threads are filled with men quizzing women to “prove” they’re real fans.