Intimidate you? Right.

February 8, 2014

1011261_304676699657445_124870575_nYes, in my single, young womanhood,  this was an issue. Not even that young–maybe mid-30s in age, the mid-1980s in era. Back in the days when we women were straddling a generational shift. Our moms were homemakers and deferential (at least on the surface) to men. Our fathers and other men ran the show  (at least on the surface).

I remember this distinctly: the husband of a friend telling me that he couldn’t set me up with any of his friends because I would intimidate them.

Now, this makes me laugh riotously…it’s been a long time since anyone’s said anything like that to me. Maybe the world changed. Maybe  I learned to moderate my style. I don’t know.  (It’s probably that I stopped giving a shi t.)

I do know this: I can’t imagine EVER being interested in  a man I would intimidate.

The world has changed and we’re a couple generations past that. Many young women today are accomplished and confident.  Many young dads unabashedly share parenting and household duties. Which brings me to my question:

Do sharp young women today face this idea of intimidating men?  Some of these young women are your daughters, granddaughters or–even YOU. So tell me what it’s like today.

13 comments on “Intimidate you? Right.
  1. Laura Kennedy says:

    Elizabeth?? Rosie?? Worried about intimidating men?? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

    Your post pretty much sums up their attitude as well.

  2. Jennifer Steck says:

    A guy broke up with me years ago because I’d just been promoted to a position where I had more authority and made more money. Looking back, I don’t know what I was thinking when I dated him. I’d like to think men would appreciate someone who was their intellectual equal and confident about who they are as a person. But…I’ve been wrong before.

  3. Karen says:

    I think young women still face this, but I don’t necessarily think it’s a bad thing. My daughter (who is an experienced cabinetmaker and spent a couple of years installing custom kitchens) takes no bullshit from guys who think they can say things like, “Of course, women aren’t really interested in the trades….” Yes, she’s 6’2″ tall and carries a Leatherman multi-tool in her purse (just in case), but I’m pretty sure it’s not her appearance but her attitude that makes people sit up and take notice.

    Actually, I’m told pretty regularly that people find me intimidating too…and while it sometimes surprises me, it doesn’t bother me. 🙂

  4. I faced that same statement. I had your same response “Not Interested’ and I never gave a shit. On the bright side I don’t think our daughter has ever had to grapple with this and our son wouldn’t be involved with anyone who didn’t know her own mind. I think this new generation is awesome that way.

  5. Melissa Senecal says:

    Yes this has been said about me most of my life but I found a great man 20+ years ago and we have been together since and will be celebrating 12 years married the 16th of this month! It takes finding the right man who is NOT intimidated!!

  6. Janie Emaus says:

    I think my daughter is very intimidating to men.

  7. Diane says:

    At my school reunion, one of the boys in my class told me that he had wanted to date me in high school. I stared at him, amazed. “Then why didn’t you?” “Are you kidding? We were scared to death of you!!!” I was blown away. Blown. Away. Forward to today. My daughter was at her school reunion. One of the guys there told her the VERY SAME THING!!! Yep. Things haven’t changed at all . . .

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

Follow Carol

Welcome!

Here you’ll find my blog, some of my essays, published writing, and my solo performances. There’s also a link to my Etsy shop for healing and grief tools offered through A Healing Spirit.

 

I love comments, so if something resonates with you in any way, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on my blog. Thank you for stopping by–oh, and why not subscribe so you don’t miss a single post?

Archives

Subscribe to my Blog

Receive notifications of my new blog posts directly to your email.