I was perplexed by the question. What’s the difference? They explained: “Should I tiptoe and watch my manners around you or be blunt? Flirtatious or chill? Brag about my sexual conquests or talk about our feelings? When you’re sad, do I hug you and buy you ice cream or do we go grab some beers? Should I wonder if we’ll ever hook up?”
I’m not sure if I’m more appalled or confused by this mindset. I thought everyone treated their friends the same regardless of their gender identity. Is this just a fringe case of toxic masculinity, or is this really how the average cis person sees the world?
There are differences regardless of whether there is romantic potential. I will talk about things with other men that I wouldn’t with women for many reasons. Social relationships are complex and gender does play a role in interactions, even if people aren’t consciously aware of them.
yes, the way gender plays a role is often unconscious - this is an important point
This is a new concept to me. What sort of things do you talk about with one gender but not the other, and why?
There are exceptions, of course, but generally I don’t speak with women regarding my sexual health (or sex in general), most of my mental health, or things specific to men. For the most part, they wouldn’t want to discuss these things with me either or wouldn’t have the experience to relate to it.