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No offense to my male friends, but SOME men tend to have a savior complex and some still see women as less than capable. It can manifest in "innocent" ways such as some of the things men said to me on dating sites when I was still active on them. For instance, a few men told me that if we got married, I would never have to work again; at least one said he would insist that I would quit work.

These assumptions were outrageous! First, I had not--and never met--any of these men. To tell me this in an email is beyond comprehension. Two, I like to work. Three, insisting that a woman not work is a form of control.

Another subtle "savior" issue was exemplified by a couple of guys who, after I wrote that I had just mowed the lawn, told me that if we were together, I would never have to mow the lawn. Again, #1 from above applies and #2, as well--I like to mow the lawn.

Some women still look to be saved; they want a knight in shining armor to solve all of their problems from financial to emotional. If that's what they want, let them seek it, but women do not NEED to be saved by men: it is a choice by some women.

[yahoo.com]

Gwendolyn2018 9 Aug 26
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14 comments

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1

I think these men are a little insecure. Could not handle an intelligent confident woman. That's their loss. They seem to think that controlling a woman will in some way address the insecurities they have. You're better off with out them in your life

@Gwendolyn2018 Artificial Sperm and a Machine that opens Jars and us men are finished. lol

@dermot235 ihave 2 jar-opener thingies in my kitchen drawer right now.

@Gwendolyn2018 Now I feel so inadequate. lol

@Gwendolyn2018 This is what my life has come to............Moving Freezers.

@Gwendolyn2018 and may I say,That is a fine offer!

1

You like to mow lawns and to work. Wow! I've always fancied being a kept man - just as long as I can do the cooking.

@Gwendolyn2018 Oh dear. You really know how to dash a man's hopes. 😜
Now I'll have to continue being a chivalrous "saviour" to women instead. "Darling, let me save you from that chocolate bar and bottle of fine wine by sharing it." 🤣

@Gwendolyn2018 Aha! Your weak spot! Let me shower you with chocolates of your choice whilst you mow my lawn for me. 🍫 🎁

@Gwendolyn2018 I love a woman who plays "hard to get". 😜🤣

2

I have also experienced the "savior" complex in the past ten years. Not so much from strangers I haven't met yet, but from my off/on boyfriend who would wiggle back into my life, every time we broke up, under the pretense of finishing this or that project we started on my place. I learned my lesson not to take that bait again. I can do these things myself or hire/trade with someone with expertise.

I enjoy doing my own home repairs and maintenance too. Though I do them in my own time. So glad I don't need a man to help me! Though it was nice to work on things together when there was a partnership, it's not a requirement for me.

Have never had a guy tell me I wouldn't have to work, but I'm self sufficient and don't need any help financially. I prefer to take care of myself. I'm not rich, but I'm happy!

@Gwendolyn2018 Yes, took me a while to figure out the manipulation. And then, like your fellow, mine started to ask me for favors, because I'm "so good at this or that" and when I wouldn't mend his shirts, a year after we broke up, he asked to borrow my sewing machine, haha, that would be a funny site, but I again said no. I told him where I purchased my inexpensive sewing machine and also my favorite tailor. Have learned my lesson to just say no.

One little favor, either way, turns into weeks of more dysfunctional relationship. Done with that!

0

I don't get men like that.

Personally, I hope to find a lady who will support me in the manner to which I wish to become accustomed, in return for nothing more than my undying affection. And ideally I will never do yard work again in my life.

1

I think there needs to be some flexibility , in what you can expect of yourself and others . A relationship can begin with an intention of doing things in one manner , but if the situation changes , then the roles each plays in a relationship may need to be adjusted . If , for instance , the major bread winner becomes disabled in some manner , than who does more in bring in finances and who handles more of the at home chores , may need to reverse .

2

I've always been pretty independent which has been known to frustrate my father and ex-husbands. My choice is to handle my own affairs for as long as I am able. To me, it's just part of being a responsible adult, regardless of gender. I like mowing the lawn too. But just so my son can have some responsibilities around the house, I let him do it. But one morning I was compelled to spend time alone weeding the garden. A neighbor, the father of my son's friend, saw me working alone that morning and took it upon himself to scold my son the next time he saw him. Because of course, as long as there is a male in the house, a woman has no business doing yard work. Ugh! Like, what part of the penis is used to remove weeds?!

2

Just cut off a guy, after I proudly told him I had remodeled my entire home, biggest project moving a bathroom & incorporating the former bathroom into part of an eat-in kitchen, and he asked " Can you use a handyman"????!!!!
Just wow.....

@Gwendolyn2018 I know! Stupid cannot be fixed.......

1

You may be seeing a different phenomenon. It may not always be what it seems.

I have often found myself offering help, attention, even protection to women in an attempt to EARN THEIR ATTENTION. Guys like me get passed-over, ignored, rejected, like dented cans on a supermarket shelf. Out of desperation I have found myself saying "I can give you a ride", or "I can fix your computer", or "call me if you need anything".

It isn't really an effective strategy, because after I've done those favors I'm alone again. Waiting to be noticed and appreciated for just being myself. Yeah, right!

Please take a look at some of your "savior" situations and see if any of them match this pattern - just a guy who needs some company and can't get it any other way.

@BitFlipper That’s totally valid. I certainly know people who say things very innocently, meaning zero harm, because they want to make contact or seem helpful. Good to keep in mind rather than assuming they’re coming from a place of control. (Except if they insist I not work. LOL.)

I appreciate you sharing that. And I have to admit, I have appreciated similar kind gestures from men. And "Call me if you need anything" is one in particular that gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I would not take offense to any of what you described. In my opinion, a man offering to help a woman is one thing. That, in and of itself, would not raise a red flag to me. It's a whole other thing for a man to tell a woman where her place is, or to encourage a woman to disenfranchise herself and to rely on him.

@Gwendolyn2018 Sure, I think it's reasonable to think they want something in return, likely something leading up to sex sooner or later. And I don't see anything wrong with that. I understand the Walmart guy overstepped your physical boundaries, and that was totally inappropriate.

@Gwendolyn2018 Is anybody ever 'just being nice'? Assuming that your former husband/boyfriends performed acts of kindness well before earning the titles, do you think they did so without having any sexual desire for you? Do you think their kindness was motivated by potentially receiving a lovely hand-crafted quilt?
Obviously, Walmart guy was attracted to you. You seem certain that he was expecting sex in exchange for the discounted roof installation, as opposed to him being interested in a long-term relationship (including sex) and using the discount as an introductory act of kindness to widen the door to that possibility. Could you be mistaken?
I would bet your former husband did acts of kindness for you early on, maybe not ASSUMING, but at least THINKING that you would compromise yourself (as you put it) by having sex with him, maybe not in direct exchange for his kindness but as a result of how his kindness made you feel. And...he was right. And that's okay. I personally have no problem with a man showing his interest, making an effort, and making an offer. I get to accept, decline or counter-offer. No problem unless the guy can't handle rejection well.

0

It is a choice. I went back to work after 7 years disability - I had to support myself, but I wanted to. After 3 months on unemployment I went back to work a few weeks ago and I am so much happier to be working again, despite the pandemic. A handy guy can be a good thing or a bad thing. My exes never finished any project they started correctly. My daughter's boyfriend decided to fix my riding John Deere lawnmower by taking it apart in my driveway and never put it back together again. My new boyfriend Bob is not handy around the house but thats okay. If we someday decide to combine households we can hire someone to do whatever needs to be done.

2

LOL, I like to mow the lawn too but I sure do appreciate a guy that will put the belt back on for me and chang the blades.

Yes I can do those 2 things but I don't like to do them. Fortunately I have non dating friends that will help me out on those issues otherwise I'd have to buy a trailer to take my mower to town. I also either take them to dinner or cook one for them so it comes out slightly even.

I agree promising you all those proprietary caring actions while conversing on a dating site is controlling.

Naive me did not realize that when I first started dating after my husband died. I met a guy while dancing and before I knew it he had cleaned my shop, cleaned the garage, washed my car, and steamed my curtains when I complained about hating to iron them.

About 2 months into the relationship he started making comments about I don't care why you think that and then he started telling me I had said things I hadn't said. He was a little hard-of-hearing but I think the last part was because he wanted me to say certain things and he would just pretend in his head.
In other words beware of the guys who want to take care of you too quickly.

yup I learned my lesson with my house. I did not want to sell it and I shouldn't have been pushed by my partner - he hired a real estate agent and called a lawyer which is why I'm declaring bankruptcy now.

5

If someone wants to mow my lawn, have at it! Lol.

But insisting that a woman not work is a HUGE red flag. That’s about control. A women who doesn’t have her own finances is stuck. No thank you. I always need to be able to escape if need be. The thought of being dependent on someone is beyond terrifying.

2

I wonder who she’s voting for that she thinks will uphold those rights.

skado Level 9 Aug 26, 2020

@Gwendolyn2018
“So you can bet I’m voting this November. I’m voting for my rights, for my ancestors, for my future, and for my daughter and all of the other young women—particularly those of color—who don’t have the ability to vote right now, but also don’t have the luxury to wait until they can vote to have someone thinking about them.“

  • Candace Parker

Pretty sure she won't be voting Republican, particularly given one of their speakers this week favors "one vote" per "Godly household," where the man has the "final say" on that single vote.

[newsweek.com]

1

Narcissistic emailer male entitlement disgusts me as if females SHOULD choose these old boys for their money to own them control them isolate them disempower them ...they are offensive and should be insulted shamed and rejected making us good men lumped into the single category of suitors or lovers

1

I wish a woman would tell me I never have to work again. I still wouldn't marry her.

I supported 2 of my exes because they were self employed. Mistake I made cost me my home. They made me refinance multiple times.

@sassygirl3869 sucks

@sassygirl3869 Wow, that's tough. My ex-husband tried to get me to refinance my home as well. Relationship was never the same after that. I didn't appreciate him asking and he didn't appreciate my answer.

@TMA2NC What did he do? Cry? Too bad.

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