There is a notable trend these days that indicates women are choosing to opt out of relationships by choosing to be single, prioritizing personal freedom, independence and fulfillment over unsatisfying partnerships. Women are disillusioned with the modern dating scene, choosing to pursue personal growth and financial security instead. Women are increasingly focused on careers, friendships and individual goals, finding happiness and peace of mind in living their lives on the own terms.
This change of focus is being driven by several key factors, such as the desire to avoid domestic inequality and emotional labor, known as “mankeeping”. This is a word I was unfamiliar with, but certainly recognized when I researched the meaning. Mankeeping is a term that describes the emotional labor women end up doing in a relationship. It means being your partner’s one-gal support system. You manage his stress, interpret his moods, hold his hand when sorting out his feelings. All of this effort goes without acknowledgement or consideration of your own emotional needs. Is it no wonder that women have reached a point where they are refusing to carry someone else’s emotional weight while getting little to nothing in return? Women aren’t opting out of love, they’re opting out of being someone else’s therapist.
Of course, any woman who’s grown intolerant of that type of behavior and has stepped back from the dating scene is labeled as cold or bitter or worse. But what women are actually doing is protecting themselves from overload. We have realized that we must protect our own levels of energy to handle the emotional burdens of life. No wonder women are so stressed, trying to handle their emotional levels as well as their partners. Until that imbalance shifts, more and more women will keep walking away. Being alone is easier than dealing with someone else’s issues.
And now, with so many women opting out of relationships, men are complaining that they are lonely. According to various reports, there’s apparently an epidemic. Well, that’s what you get when you don’t acknowledge and respect the other gender’s needs and only consider your own. I have no sympathies at all for their plight. If men want women to value relationships again, they need to value their women.
Of course, in all fairness, I must state that there are men out there who don’t do this, who recognize their relationships as a partnership instead of a dumping ground for their baggage. It wouldn’t be right to lump you into the same pile. Wish there were more of you.