Women Revealed 51 Shocking Facts They Had To Explain To Their Partners Because They Didn't Know
"Ponies don’t grow up to be horses"
If one is not concerned about the perceptions of others, then saying "ignorance is bliss" is truly applied. Many people agree that there's a certain naive charm in not knowing certain things, and sometimes, it can actually be a huge plus.
But in other circumstances, for example, when facing someone more knowledgeable, that veil of innocence can quickly shatter. The moment of realization you might be lacking in knowledge and facts can be both enlightening and embarrassing.
But which way it would go depends on things you didn't know. Nowadays, thanks to books, the internet, and friends, that can always change, and you can easily learn new things.
Women on the Reddit platform shared numerous examples when they found themselves in situations where they had to clarify or explain things they assumed their partners had already known. It was not about criticizing anyone but about making other people laugh and maybe comforting them if they had caught themselves in a similar situation.
No matter how some things sound common or elementary to others, some people might not be aware of them. And there is nothing wrong with not knowing 'everything,' but there's nothing wrong with laughing a bit at someone's expense also.
If you're interested in seeing some of their funniest comments, scroll below and let us know which ones made you laugh the most.
1. Doesn't believe in catcalling
"Not my partner, but just another man, but I feel that a lot of men think this way. He didn’t believe catcalling happened, or at least was _really_ rare, because he had never seen it happen and he hung out with girls all the time.We informed him that was because no one was going to catcall a girl who was hanging out with a 6’3” 230 lb black man."
bugsinmypants2. Not everyone likes hugs
MrsFirno3. Old blood is brown
reptilenews
Psychological Insights into Gender Dynamics
The revelations shared in this article reflect significant gender dynamics that often permeate relationships. Dr. Lisa Tran, a social psychologist, emphasizes that many women find themselves in positions where they must educate their partners about basic societal norms and expectations.
This phenomenon can stem from socialization patterns, where women are often expected to take on the role of caregivers or educators. Research has shown that these dynamics can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment, especially when partners fail to acknowledge mutual responsibilities.
Exploring the Impact of Gender Norms
Gender norms play a significant role in shaping expectations within relationships. Research from the University of Toronto indicates that many men and women grow up with distinct social scripts that dictate how they should behave in relationships. This can lead to misunderstandings when partners fail to meet these unspoken expectations.
For example, the statement about ponies not growing up to be horses encapsulates a broader societal misconception about growth and maturity. In relationships, these beliefs can influence how partners perceive each other's actions and emotional capacities, often leading to frustration when one partner feels the other is not 'growing up' as expected.
4. Women have a digestive system that produces gas just like men
"A partner told me that women and girls shouldn’t fart. I had to explain that we have a digestive system that produces gas just like men."
PhotosByVicky
5. Men and their thoughts
pinkpenicillin
6. "That I wasn’t cheating on him.. he was seeing vaginal discharge in my underwear"
BabyGothQ
According to a study published in the Journal of Social Issues, when partners lack awareness of certain cultural or social norms, it can create significant relational strain. This strain is often exacerbated by the perception of imbalanced responsibilities, leading to conflict and dissatisfaction.
For many women, the burden of educating their partners can lead to feelings of exhaustion and disappointment, particularly when their contributions are overlooked.
According to studies published in the Journal of Gender Studies, individuals often internalize societal expectations that can create significant pressure in relationships. Men may feel they must adhere to stoic ideals, while women may feel obligated to fulfill nurturing roles. This often results in partners being unable to express their true selves, leading to conflict and dissatisfaction.
Encouraging open discussions about these norms can help both partners understand the underlying motivations for each other's behaviors, ultimately fostering a more supportive relationship.
7. It's normal for women
Nemo_fish23
8. Can't control nature
"I had to explain to my boyfriend, who was very much annoyed by the fact that my period came and went as it pleased, that I can't just manually regulate it myself to make it punctual each month. It was...an experience for sure.Made me realize I indeed should have sued my period for being so unreliable (how dare it?! It be your own, fellas)"
psycholyze1
9. The vaccine did not make you magnetic
oldmanpuzzles
The Importance of Mutual Understanding
Fostering mutual understanding in relationships is crucial for emotional growth. Experts suggest that couples should engage in dialogues about their backgrounds and experiences, which can illuminate differing perspectives. Such discussions can promote empathy and facilitate a deeper connection.
Research indicates that when partners make an effort to understand each other's viewpoints, they are more likely to navigate conflicts successfully. Utilizing 'curiosity' as a tool can help partners ask questions and express genuine interest in each other's experiences.
Communication Breakdowns and Their Consequences
Communication is crucial in maintaining healthy relationships, yet many couples struggle with it. A clinical psychologist specializing in interpersonal conflict notes that misunderstandings often arise when partners fail to articulate their needs clearly. This can lead to assumptions that further exacerbate tensions.
Research suggests that couples who engage in active listening and express themselves openly are more likely to navigate conflicts successfully. Establishing regular check-ins to discuss feelings can prevent issues from escalating and foster a deeper emotional connection.
10. Because the front pockets are shallow
"Why women put their phones in their back pockets. He was shocked when I stuck my hand down a front pocket to demonstrate how shallow it was."
PandaPartyPack
11. "That it’s not normal to drip pee outside of the toilet"
"And if you do, you either need to clean it up or start sitting down"
snakeplant34
12. "All the precautions I take when going out at night."
"He didn’t have a clue how many rules we memorize like (check the back seat, jump in and immediately lock the doors, ignore anything found on your windshields or windows, etc.)"
punctuationist
Additionally, practical strategies can enhance communication. Couples can benefit from setting aside regular time for open dialogues where they can discuss challenges and educate each other on personal experiences. According to Dr. Laura Berman, a renowned sex therapist, "Open communication is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship; it fosters emotional intimacy and helps partners navigate misunderstandings." By creating a safe space for these conversations, couples can develop a stronger partnership based on understanding and respect.
Furthermore, emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in navigating relationship dynamics. Studies indicate that individuals with higher emotional intelligence are better equipped to understand their own emotions and those of their partners. This understanding can significantly reduce the likelihood of miscommunication and conflict.
Investing time in developing emotional intelligence through practices like mindfulness and reflective listening can enhance relationship satisfaction and improve conflict resolution strategies.
13. "Women can't hold their menstrual fluid in"
"Women can't hold their menstrual fluid in like you do with urine. At the time I explained this, we were in our early twenties and he was well-educated with a college degree.He's also very, very intelligent. I was utterly gobsmacked he didn't know this."
BlackWidow1414
14. There is also mental abuse
PlantBasedPoetry
15. "I had to explain that we attach pads to the underwear, not our vagina."
BabyPandaw
Addressing these gender dynamics requires both partners to take active responsibility for their learning and growth. Research shows that when individuals engage in self-reflection and education about their partner's experiences, it can significantly enhance relationship satisfaction. This proactive approach fosters resilience and aids in preventing future conflicts.
Ultimately, recognizing the need for mutual education can transform the relationship into a partnership that thrives on shared knowledge and respect.
Lastly, it's important to recognize that learning and growth are inherent parts of relationships. People evolve over time, and it's crucial for partners to support each other's growth journeys. Research in developmental psychology emphasizes that relationships thrive when individuals encourage each other's personal development rather than impose rigid expectations based on societal norms.
By focusing on individual growth, couples can cultivate a more harmonious relationship dynamic that respects each partner's unique path and experiences.
16. He did not know what determines the gender of the child
anon
17. "That babies are born with their eyes open"
"I was about 8 months pregnant and he thought babies were like puppies/kittens/etc and asked me how long til our baby would open her eyes."
ImNotA_IThink
18. Doesn't know where the cervix is
Jessiefrance89
19. "That women should pee after sex to avoid getting a uti"
Susurrusilously
20. "Not every woman can orgasm from penetration."
"My other half was a bit of a player in his younger years so this surprised me a lot. He still thinks I'm the rare one for not being able to."
Keekee-88
21. Urine doesn't come out of the vagina
"Urine doesn't come out the vagina and vice versa. I can't believe men don't know that women have more than one hole (not counting the butt).This is not just my husband, seems to be a common belief of men. Gee, did they not learn anything in health class or when playing around?"
ACs_Grandma
22. Meatballs are made from minced meat
"They hate mince meat but their favourite food is meat balls.. When I asked what they thought meat balls were made of, he didn’t know..so I had to explain that meatballs, burgers and mince are all the same thing.. just in a different shape"
bleak_gallery
23. "Eggs are not dairy."
"Just because they’re in the “Dairy section” in US grocery stores, it does not mean they’re dairy. Kombucha is also in the dairy section, and prepackaged cinnamon roll dough.Like eggs, not dairy. He was shook."
Spirited-Safety-Lass
24. "That it's not sad for women to use toys."
Rubbish_69
25. A few things:
"A few things I’ve had to explain:• Lindsay Lohan plays both kids in The Parent Trap. No, I’m sure it’s not the Olsen twins.• As a 20-year old, I was not 12 “five years ago.” (And he worked in finance at the time).• Leia had a baby with Han.• Preferring to use pads over tampons doesn’t make a woman ‘immature.’• How libraries work (he thought the concept of books passing through many hands was ‘gross.’ This was pre-COVID)."
Aristaeus16
26. "It's not necessarily a sign of an STD."
NotTodaySquirrel
27. He thinks it only takes one time to get pregnant
"My bf genuinely thought it only takes one time to get pregnant. He's had sex before but with condoms so now that we're trying he literally looked at me and said how aren't you pregnant yet?It only takes one time."
Chibsie
28. How to chop vegetables
folklovermore_
29. "He thought girls shook their butt to turn the boys on"
"In high school, super low-cut tight jeans were 'in.' All of us girls had to constantly pull them up, and even do a little wiggle to get them up. I had no idea how this looked; I just wore the jeans I thought were cute and in style.He thought girls shook their butt to turn the boys on while they were walking behind them. I haven’t been able to get that one off my mind since."
pample_meese
30. Basic thing
"My partner actually believes that it’s fine to leave cooked meat out for hours because “it’s not raw”. As someone who has taken microbio, I can confirm this is a terrible idea."
madz7137
31. "That ponies don’t grow up to be horses"
cornelioustreat888
32. How to know when water is boiling
arendecott13
33. Mushrooms and chocolate truffles are not the same things
"This was my ex but,Him: "You say you don't like mushrooms but you'll eat this?" *holds my chocolate truffle ice cream up*Me: "Because actual truffles are different from chocolate truffles. They're two separate things. What?"Him: *blush*. It was cute af though"
AdministrativeCow659
34. "That he can't tell a pregnant woman how "huge" she is."
"That if he gives the dog exactly what she wants to stop her from doing what she shouldn't be, then he's just reinforcing her bad behaviour. That reverse racism/sexism etc. isn't a thing"
boatsmoatsfloats
35. "That Pelicans and geese are a different species...????"
Jasperisadingus
36. "He thought that gynecologist is for male problems too"
Desperate_Camel5051
37. "Periods last a whole seven days and not just one"
"Saw a post about how a kitchen sponge sitting in water breeds more bacteria than if left to dry, which reminded me how I had to explain the whole concept to a guy I previously dated who didn’t believe sponges should be kept dry in tropical climates. I also had to explain how periods last a whole seven days and not just one (I wish)."
wwwwxyz
38. Empathize your partner's feelings
Large-Low-4091
39. "That "Anonymous" wasn't a person who wrote a million poems"
holo_charzard
40. What happens during a Pap smear…
No-Lingonberry5519
41. There's not.
hayamidoll
42. "He thought the tapioca pearls in Boba drinks were caviar."
"He literally thought that they put FISH EGGS in boba. I still love him though."
Sufficient-Carpet-99
43. Unbelievable
BrewedMother
44. "I had to explain the concept of gift giving at birthdays, Christmas etc."
"First of all, my boyfriend doesn't care about receiving gifts at all and thought that's the norm for everyone. Second, he thought that a gift that's not useful (something that is just nice etc.) is worse than no gift, so he usually doesn't get a gift to anyone, if he can't come up with something super useful.And third, he thought that if you randomly buy little gifts to someone throughout the year, it's okay if you don't give them anything for big occasions. So I had to explain that people generally do care about getting gifts on major occasions, not getting a gift is the worst because even if the gift isn't good, at least it shows you put a bit of an effort into it, and while it's nice to randomly receive small gifts, the person still be rightfully upset if you don't get them anything for an occasion."
Samira827
45. How to cook potatoes
anon
46. The definition of the word “adultery”
reddit
47. "That you should leave hot food out to cool before you put it in the fridge."
reddit
48. "How to take the U-bend out from under your kitchen sink."
reddit
49. The colors of the rainbow
reddit
51. How to go through a drive-thru at a fast food restaurant
reddit
51. "He didn’t know who Genghis Khan was."
reddit
After reading them all, would you mind telling us which one has shocked you the most? You can share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Also, if you find this post as interesting as we thought it would be, you can share it with your friends.
Psychological Analysis
This situation highlights the complexities of interpersonal dynamics shaped by societal expectations. The varied insights shared by women reveal the importance of addressing these norms to foster understanding. Encouraging open conversations about feelings and expectations can significantly enhance relationship satisfaction.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Research indicates that understanding gender norms and enhancing communication are key to resolving misunderstandings in relationships. According to Dr. Terri Orbuch, relationship researcher and author, "Open dialogue about expectations is essential for nurturing healthy relationships." Furthermore, she emphasizes that "when partners actively support each other's growth and emotional needs, relationships flourish." Ultimately, fostering such communication can lead to more fulfilling interactions between partners.
Psychological Analysis
This situation highlights the ongoing need for mutual education in relationships. It's essential for partners to recognize and appreciate the diverse experiences they bring to the table. Open dialogue can help bridge gaps in understanding and foster a deeper connection.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Gender dynamics within relationships can lead to significant relational challenges. By fostering open communication and mutual understanding, couples can navigate these complexities more effectively. Emphasizing shared responsibilities and learning can create a more balanced and fulfilling partnership.