Parenting
By Jenna Miles
“Get under a man’s skin today: Simply agree with his compliment about you.”
Emma Johnson, a writer and advocate based in New York, recently initiated a social experiment via social media. She posted for women to try a bold approach: “Get under a man’s skin today,” she wrote. “Just say you agree with his compliment of you.”
At first, you might wonder, “What could possibly unfold just by agreeing with a compliment?” The answer might surprise you.
“It’s not a new concept; however, in my experiences, when a man gives me a compliment and I respond with ‘I agree,’ they often seem taken aback,” Emma shared with a local news outlet. “It’s as if they assume the compliment should be something I’m unaware of, bestowed upon me from a higher ground.”
Indeed. This reaction is far from trivial—it highlights a much deeper issue. The way some men react when women embrace their own worth and confidence illustrates a troubling dynamic where some men feel they have an entitlement to control women. This includes dictating how women should respond to compliments. It’s essential to recognize that a compliment loses its genuine nature if it’s meant to establish dominance. The frustration a man feels when a woman acknowledges his compliment often indicates a shift in the power dynamic, which many men find uncomfortable.
Women’s Experiences
Women began sharing their own encounters regarding this phenomenon.
In 2018, inspired by a series of unfortunate exchanges on social media, Sarah Thompson decided to conduct a similar experiment she called “Agreeing with Boys When They Compliment You.” She documented these interactions on her blog.
The stories that emerged were astonishing. A man offers a compliment, the woman accepts it, and suddenly he reacts defensively. But why?
Labeling these interactions as compliments is as inaccurate as calling street harassment flattery. Using words to manipulate someone’s feelings is not genuine admiration.
“This is my overarching point: Just because you haven’t experienced it or don’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not happening,” Emma explained. “When men say, ‘Not all men,’ they focus on their own experiences, dismissing the reality of others.”
“I urge you to listen to women’s voices and try to grasp the full scope of what’s occurring,” she added.
Further Reading
If you’re ready to explore more about home insemination, check out our post on the impregnator at home insemination kit. For those navigating fertility issues, this resource from Mount Sinai is invaluable, and this article provides further insights into reclaiming your fertility journey.
In summary, when a woman openly accepts a compliment, it can reveal unexpected reactions from men, indicating deeper societal issues regarding power dynamics and control. The conversation is essential for understanding the broader implications and experiences women face daily.