15 women share important facts they desperately wish men would understand about them

Navigating relationships is one of the hardest parts of adult life, especially when it involves understanding the opposite gender. For generations, many women have expressed frustration over the lack of understanding from their male counterparts, hoping for more empathy and communication that feels truly supportive. While it can sometimes seem like men are always being blamed, it’s really a reflection of the deep desire many women have to feel seen and heard in their relationships.

It’s understandable that this kind of "understanding" doesn’t come easily. Women face emotional complexities, subtle communication needs, and the pressure of societal expectations—factors that men may not always recognize. However, it’s not impossible. Women often try to explain what they wish their partners understood. So, when a Reddit user asked, "What do men just not get?" thousands of women shared their thoughts. Some of these insights may seem simple, but they reveal unspoken truths that women feel are often overlooked. Here are 15 things women wish men understood.

1. Feminine hobbies are ok

That my hobbies and interests being associated with femininity doesn’t make them 'stupid,' 'boring' or any less gratifying. -u/DateLate6732

2. Stop underestimating

Not being listened to in an academic/professional environment. We have helpful insights to problems just like men, we are smart and creative and skillful too. I’m tired of having my intelligence underestimated and ignored. -u/Enoughforfluffy

3. Willfully sharing chores 

That truly sharing household and domestic tasks means doing it unprompted. I don't want to have to ask you to tidy up or answer questions if it's your turn to cook or constantly manage social calendars and remind you or things. My brain needs a break too and taking initiative means a lot. -u/brainsteam

4. Just listen!

Sometimes, men just don’t get how important it is to listen and validate feelings instead of trying to fix things right away. It’s not always about solving problems. Sometimes it’s just about being heard. -u/bellaerayy

5. Every woman is different

That women are people with varying opinions and preferences. We’re not a monolith, we’re not some enigma, we’re human. -u/Leeser

6. Women doll up for themselves

We don't get colorful hair, long nails, lips filled, make up done and outfits on to appear attractive to men. We do want to look nice for some men on occasion. But the majority of the time it's because we feel good like that. So, 'Actually, men don't like black lipstick' is meaningless. I like black lipstick. It is not for you. It is for me. -u/RandomPolishGurl

7. Arguments have a purpose

We’re not trying to start arguments because we’re bored. You did something that upset us and we’re trying to communicate that to you. We don’t sit around thinking of problems just cause. -u/Mobile_Screen4017

8. Menopause is no breeze

To the older men out there - menopause is a roller coaster of physical and emotional changes. Please educate yourselves about it and be supportive and patient. -u/frisbeemassage

9. Cramps are for real

Menstruation cramps is no joke, we are not pretending to be in pain. -u/whimsicalwillowc

10. Pregnancy takes a toll

Pregnancy and postpartum is not easy. I’ve seen men make comments with women with hyperemesis. 'They throw up to not gain weight.' l myself had it with my first child and I would want to die smelling cooked food. And felt like I had a violent hangover every day all day long. Also now at my age, underestimating how bad hot flashes are. -u/--dee

11. Keep the efforts going

That just because you have the girl doesn't mean you can't lose her, no matter how much they love you. You start to get so comfortable that you stop trying and start to treat them like an option. -u/Time-Yam1845

12. Need for some quiet time

Sometimes I’m quiet because I don’t want to talk or have nothing on my mind. I also look out the passenger window when I’m a passenger because I like looking out the window. It’s not because I’m mad, it’s because when I drive I never get to look out the window. -u/No_Support_7203

13. Women prioritize safety

How constantly we are on guard for our on safety. It's common to change outfits last minute because of safety, it's common to postpone running to the store because it’s too dark out now, it’s common to have to spend extra money for an Uber because the bus stop is in a mildly sketchy neighborhood, cutting my day out short because my battery is low because it means I can’t Uber home later. -u/bossamemucho

14. Toxic mothers ruin the peace

That ignoring their mom being passive aggressive to their girlfriend/wife is actually re-enforcing that behavior and harming their relationship, not keeping the peace. -u/boboanimalrescue

15. Honesty over everything

We can handle the truth. Don't try to 'be kind' by avoiding a topic and bottle up frustration. -u/LastingEmbraces