You Can Tell A Man Has A Fragile Ego By 5 Phrases He’ll Only Say When He’s Around A Strong Woman
MAYA LAB | ShutterstockI once went viral for talking about what men really mean when they call a woman "intimidating". In the years since, I've heard feedback from women sharing a wide variety of loathed statements men make when they're intimidated. Often, these men have a fragile ego.
Strong women know our independence can be intimidating. That's because the dating world has changed. The bare minimum doesn't cut it with us anymore and you'll need to bring your strongest, healthiest version of yourself into a relationship.
To help other strong women out, I've shared a few things women tell me they hear from men who are intimidated by their confidence. I’ve gathered those comments and combined them into 5 main categories, hoping they'll help.
You can tell a man has a fragile ego if he says these 5 things around strong, confident women:
1. 'Geez, You’re intimidating.'
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Of course this is at the top of the list. But here's the thing: we’re not intimidating, you’re intimidated. There’s a difference. If you’re afraid your life choices aren’t big enough or impressive enough, then that is your self-judgment that is getting in your way.
Live a life you’re genuinely proud of. You’ll stand in your own power and confidence enough that will excite any self-empowered woman to learn more about you.
2. 'You’re too direct.'
Strong women don’t have time for games. So, yes, we’re direct. But "too" direct? I don’t think so.
We’ve got a lot of different areas in our lives vying for attention which means we need to prioritize, stat. We’ll tell you exactly where we stand and then we count on you to have done enough self-reflection to know and plainly communicate exactly where you stand.
Are we on or off? Are you in or out? That’s all we need to know, no judgment. We just need to know so we can throw you in the mix (or not). We’re fine either way.
3. 'You’re not feminine enough.'
The men who say this are usually sitting across from a well-coiffed beauty with a fire in her eyes that says, "I’m ready take on the world." It’s that passion and willingness to act on said passion that seems to make the male ego uncomfortable, at least when that ego is fragile.
Feminine energy is creative and contemplative, powerful in its own right, but it feels soft and warm. Masculine energy is action and motion, a power that’s easily recognized and highly valued in our society, it’s red hot and lightning fast.
The woman who comes forth with a lot of strong, masculine energy is likely this way because she has been let down by man after man, probably starting with her father.
While everyone has feminine and masculine energy inside them, most women (yes, even strong ones!) love being feminine, but because we’re focused on making our big dreams come true, we’ve learned to become both because waiting for (and relying on) a man has proven foolhardy.
Men, trust me on this, there are times we want to become more feminine in our energy. We like to let a man come forth with his convictions and his call to action. That's right, you don't have to be super muscular or wealthy. You just have to know who you are.
We know what balance feels like and we’re eager to embrace the right partnership, but we have to trust that you’re going to smart and responsible with that space in our lives. The minute you’re not, we’re out.
4. 'You’re too busy.'
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This is a big red flag for us go-getting gals because we hear one of two things: "I expect you to give up what’s important to you so I feel special enough" or "I have nothing going on and will eventually be clingy and needy." Either one makes us head for the hills.
You can feel disappointed that we don’t get enough time together. Chances are good we're disappointed, too. But meet us in the middle on this one. You’re busy, too, with things that are important to you.
Instead of complaining, try leading with strength and optimism.
"Wow, our schedules are so full. But I know we’ll find time to make something work," sends an entirely different message and allows us to feel disappointed alongside you and makes us want to create some space for you too.
5. 'You don’t need me.'
No, we don’t. But that doesn’t mean we don’t want you.
In any long-term relationship, there are pendulum swings due to changing life circumstances. It is natural to rely heavily on one another and that’s normal. But prolonged co-dependency in a relationship is never healthy.
An empowered woman is very discerning about who gets space in her mind and heart. If you occupy any of her bandwidth and time that means you’ve been chosen. She’ll be there for you and you know she’ll be entirely grateful when you are there for her… you know, like a healthy relationship.
I’m not being harsh here, just direct. If you want a woman who:
- isn’t out for rescuing,
- has her own passions, and
- doesn’t play games
...then you’re looking for a woman who doesn’t adhere to the outdated dating archetypes and schemes.
There’s a learning curve with us, sure. But when the dust settles at the end of a long week, and a beautiful woman is focusing all her attention and passion on you, during the time she intentionally carved out for the man she loves, for dang sure, the last thing you’ll be thinking about is whether she’s "feminine" enough for you.
Tiffany Hammond is a Leadership Development Coach and Certified Life Coach.
