Despite the progress made by the women’s liberation movement over the past century, women’s behaviors continue to reflect cultural expectations. One striking example is the demanding and labor-intensive standards of feminine beauty, which contrast sharply with those imposed on men. Here, we spotlight the habits that are common to women but not to men.
Wearing Makeup Daily
Many women apply makeup daily as part of their routine to enhance their features and boost their confidence. This ritual, deeply rooted in social norms, often involves multiple products such as foundation, mascara, and lipstick.
Regular Manicures and Pedicures
Keeping nails manicured is a regular upkeep for many women, not just for aesthetics but also as a form of self-care. Visits to nail salons for detailed care, including polish, gels, or acrylics, are routine. In contrast, most men tend to opt for basic nail trimming.
Carrying a Handbag
Most women carry a handbag that holds daily essentials like wallets and makeup. This practice is so ingrained that the absence of a bag is often seen as an incomplete outfit. Conversely, men generally rely on pockets or occasionally a backpack or briefcase.
Wearing High Heels
High heels, a staple in many women’s wardrobes for work and social events, are chosen to complement an outfit or to enhance posture. Despite the discomfort they often cause, the pressure to meet fashion norms sees many women donning them.
Watching Romantic Comedies
Women are the primary audience for romantic comedies, a genre that focuses on love stories with light-hearted and humorous plots. These films are marketed predominantly to female viewers, reflecting and reinforcing cultural expectations about gender and romance.
Attending Baby Showers
Attending baby showers is a predominantly female tradition where women gather to celebrate impending motherhood with gifts and games. This event underscores traditional roles and community support for expectant mothers. Men are less likely to participate in baby showers.
Reading Fashion Magazines
Fashion magazines targeted at women offer beauty tips, fashion trends, and celebrity gossip, shaping and reflecting female interests as perceived by the media. Many women enjoy these publications for inspiration and entertainment.
Discussing Emotions Openly
Women are generally more encouraged and more likely to discuss their feelings openly with friends or in social groups. This openness is part of broader socialization patterns that emphasize emotional expressivity as a feminine trait. Men, conversely, are taught to be more reserved with emotions.
Following Strict Skincare Routines
A detailed skincare routine is part of many women’s daily regime, often including multiple steps to cleanse, treat, and moisturize the skin. The beauty industry heavily markets skincare products to women, promoting the ideals of flawless skin.
Hosting Bridal Showers
Organizing and attending bridal showers is another predominantly female activity centered around celebrating the bride-to-be. It involves gift-giving, themed games, and shared meals, focusing on female bonding. While bachelor parties typically have different customs and atmospheres.
Scheduling Regular Hair Appointments
Many women visit hair salons regularly, not just for cuts but for coloring, highlighting, and styling, keeping up with both personal preferences and prevailing beauty trends. These appointments can be essential for self-esteem and personal expression.
Participating in Group Fitness Classes
Women are more likely to participate in group fitness classes such as yoga, Pilates, or aerobics. These classes offer community and structured routines, which are appealing to many women. Men, however, often prefer solo workouts or more competitive sports activities.
Layering Clothes for Style
Layering clothes for both aesthetic and functional reasons is a more intricate part of women’s fashion. Women often mix and match multiple layers to create stylish, complex outfits. Men’s fashion, while it can be stylish, usually involves simpler outfits.
Wearing Floral Fragrances
Many women choose floral and sweet fragrances, which are marketed heavily towards feminine sensibilities. These scents, from roses to gardenias, are staples in women’s perfumery, while men’s fragrances often lean towards woodsy or spicy notes.
Using Multiple Hair Products
The hair care routines of many women involve several products, from shampoos to leave-in conditioners and serums, aimed at achieving desired styles and hair health. This process can be intricate and time-consuming. Men’s haircare routines are generally more straightforward.
Keeping a Personal Diary
Writing in a diary is a common practice among women, used for self-expression and emotional processing. Diaries serve as private spaces for thoughts, dreams, and frustrations, reflecting a longstanding tradition. Fewer men keep personal diaries.
Singing Along to Songs in Groups
Women often enjoy singing along to their favorite songs with friends or at events, a communal activity that strengthens social bonds. This form of entertainment embraces joy and group cohesion. Spontaneous group singing is less common among men.
Taking Selfies
Taking selfies is a popular activity among women, often for sharing on social media platforms. This habit is tied to self-presentation and keeping digital social connections active. Men take selfies, too, but generally with less frequency and emphasis on presentation.
Choosing Accessories for Outfits
Accessorizing is an integral part of dressing for many women, involving selections of jewelry, scarves, and other items that complement the main outfit. This attention to detail reflects personal style and social expectations. Men’s accessorizing is usually more functional.
Watching Soap Operas
Soap operas have historically attracted a predominantly female audience, with plots revolving around domestic and romantic dramas. These shows often cater to interests and experiences viewed as traditionally feminine. Male viewership for soap operas is markedly lower.
Browsing Home Decor Stores
Many women take pleasure in browsing home decor stores to find perfect items that enhance their living spaces. This interest aligns with a broader cultural expectation for women to cultivate a comfortable, stylish home environment. Men typically spend less time browsing.
