Quote:
Originally Posted by undercoverbrother
If you use the word to describe both sexes it shouldn't be an issue.
Most people I know don't, myself included.
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Isn’t the point (of that post specifically) that it’s still an issue though? Regardless of what my intentions or personal norms are we need to be checking ourselves a bit more, no?
It’s tough to realize that you might be doing something wrong in a lot of these scenarios. The times I’ve been complimented on my looks it’s flattering. Even in work spaces I’ve had women (friends) say things that would definitely be considered harassment by most of these standards. When you know someone well it can come with a different standard of course, so I guess my question would be does that line still exist when the woman breaks it? Like I get called honey or darling all the time by women of pretty much any demographic. Does them doing that open me up to using pet names as well or should I just avoid that in general? If a woman compliments my attire and I want to return should I still avoid complimenting her hair or something? Obviously my perspective is that it is pleasant to compliment someone that way (tastefully of course). That said, there are a lot of men that may find that uncomfortable as well.
I’m just curious what these boundaries are because they seem very fluid and confusing. Especially in a single/dating world where you’re never really sure where you stand with someone until you assert yourself. Obviously reading the signs to stop is key, but some of these things are pretty subtle are can be things that you don’t really get a good feeling on until after you’ve had some experience with personal relationships. I guess that’s where the whole talking with kids and stuff comes in.