Society has always viewed men as the stronger, more intimidating sex, though popular thought suggests that that is just not the case.
In fact, the things that most often intimidate men about women are things that "we can't control," according to Rebecca Jane Stokes who writes for YourTango.
Stokes also makes the point to state that women shouldn't even attempt to change the things they can control that intimidate men.
First, Stokes asked women what men have said they find most intimidating about them. The responses included:
-"When I speak with confidence and am unapologetic about having knowledge/experience."
-"Confidence. Talking back. Proficient use of power tools."
-"My height. My education. My job. The list could go on."
-"My mouth. And I have permanent resting b**** face so that too..."
-"I have been told I use too many "big words," that I come off as "aloof" (though that is actually shyness), and that I have a tendency to come off as condescending if I correct the use of a word, or if I go off on a really erudite topic."
Stokes also asked men what they find most intimidating in women:
-"Resting b**** face. I've found that most girls with RBF are actually the nicest and sweetest girls ever. I had to remind my ex that she has to be self-aware of it when she's out places or people will think she's pissed off at them."
-"Some guys might not want to talk to you because you're pretty. Maybe they think you're out of their league. Something else though, wearing a "This is what a feminist looks like" shirt is pretty scary. Really though, if you find that the boys aren't coming to you, go to the boys. It boggles my mind that a lot of people just assume that they have to wait for a boy to come to them, you have the power! Go get 'em!"
-"I'm really only intimidated by women like Ronda Rousey and Cyborg i.e. women who can physically kick my a**. Otherwise, there aren't any qualities women possess that I worry about."
-"Personally, I'm most intimidated by women that are extremely outgoing and animated, I just can't keep up usually. Also, women that look unfriendly, or extremely attractive women to a certain extent."
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