26 Social Burdens Women Shoulder That Are Completely Exhausting

"Putting on makeup. Like, we're supposed to disguise ourselves; otherwise, people think we didn't take this outing seriously, didn't care enough, or didn't act professionally. In some ways, beauty standards are social obligations. Keeping up with nails, clothes, hair, etc., that's almost an expectation in some relationships."

"If the house is messy, it's a reflection of her, even if the mess is 100% obviously his. When your partner claims 'no one will care' as a reason not to tidy up before having visitors, it's infuriating, as 99 times out of 100, they will notice, and they will judge the woman."

"Baby showers and bridal showers/bachelorette parties. There are male equivalents, but the parties for women are much more involved, and there are higher expectations for what you wear, the gifts you bring, and how you contribute to the plans. In the last few years, it's become the it thing to have destination parties."

Women encounter numerous gendered social expectations that men generally avoid. Beauty standards impose obligations to wear makeup, maintain nails and hair, and meet appearance standards to be perceived as professional or respectful. Household cleanliness becomes a reflection of women's character and competence, regardless of who creates the mess or their employment status. Women also bear greater responsibility for organizing and participating in elaborate celebrations like baby showers and bachelorette parties, which increasingly involve destination travel and significant financial and time commitments. These obligations persist even when partners claim others won't notice or care, yet judgment disproportionately falls on women.

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