and I know too much to go back and pretend...

Yes EXACTLY!!!! Thank you.

Really?

How often have you heard or seen men say things like, "My kids are my world, and if you can't handle that, then you can f*** off and die!"....or, "I've put myself through school, and I make my own money, so if you don't like it, you can f*** off and die!"....or, "I've worked my tail off for years to own my own house, and it's all MINE, dammit! I'm not gonna be a free ride to any woman, and if you don't like it, go f*** off and die!"

Please give me the ratio of remarks like this from men compared to women.

Thank You.

i don't need "A" man, but i do need (very much) "MY" man.

however, i believe there's a difference in being able to cope on your own and feeling satisfaction in so doing, yet admitting that it is much easier to run a family, a house, and a home, with a he-man living in it. at least that's the way it is for me.



"f@ck off and die?". haha, i'm sorry that cracked me up. i haven't seen THAT strong of a stand

i think it's past history that had dictated to women that she needed a man in order to survive. it's probably more from a sense of accomplishment and growth that she wants to shout out her progress, than it is a stand against needing men.

A strong woman is not one who thinks of herself as strong, she is appreciated by her man that she is a strong woman.

I have to agree with this assessment, as I never forget how blessed I am to have a woman like this. Devastating albeit heroic though it may be some of the hardships many women, including my own, have faced, they're not the Lone Ranger. That's not said to be disrespectful in any way, it's just to say that in the grand scheme of things, *you* are not the only woman in the world who has faced adversity and come out on the other end with your head held high. With all the detrimental curveballs that my lady has had thrown at her through her life, and she still stands strong, that's what retains my admiration for her. However, what impresses me the most about her is, she knows her limitations. She is very much aware of what she is and is not capable of handling herself, and is not afraid to ask for assistance when she needs it. She has no need to put on a front for anybody, least of all herself.

I have, many times.

The "I'm a single mother of three kids and THEY ARE MY WORLD!!" types can be surprisingly militant. And hostile.

all men this

all women that

it always amazes me when someone tranfers their individual experience onto the whole male or female race

no wonder you don't want to date women who have children.

I usually run away from the "weak" ones. I'm more comfortable around stong women.

Oh Boy,Let me say first off,This is for both (men/weman)No insult to any. Men are never turned away because the are strong.But weman are because they are.And yes they are!Some men perceive weman as weaker.And if you are not,then they don't want to stick around.As with weman,We don't want a man that we have to be the man for!
And I find it sad that anyone feels that they need someone for the sake of not being alone.And have to have another to be complete.When you need,you will surely always ponder these questions.
But when you have truly figure out that we are created with our own stengths and God made us to complament each other.Not to battle each other.Then I guess there will be less hurt and blame between (men/weman).Then we all will see the softer side of each other.And yes! men do have a softer side. Not all of man is made of steel.(just thought I would through that in for you guys)
You don't need us,we don't need you.Think about it.We want each other!Need has nothing to do with it!
J.M.O

I agree!

Well, that's only one reason! Mainly it comes from having tried it (a number of times) back when I was younger....!

Nope, never had any of the above said to me. If I had, it would have shown me a lot about where he is at in his life. Seems a pretty defensive stance to me. I wouldn't get involved with someone who has that kind of an atitude. No way, no how.

Oh man! After re-reading this thread......I am glad I only gotta deal with my mannequin when I get home. I am almost as smart as she is so I got a fighting chance at being able to interpret her needs.

Just playing kids. No need to beat me with wiffle ball bats......again.

I wonder if some men feel threatened by a woman who can take care of herself. I mean in every aspect of the word. This, I think, opens the door for a man to feel that he does not have enough to offer a self-sufficient woman. I don't believe this happened prior to the woman's lib movement. I think this has confused men, and still does, as to what place they hold in a woman's life. To be a strong, independent, intelligent woman today is almost a death sentence in relationships. It is very difficult for this type of woman to finding a last relationship with a man who understands this. This in not about wanting someone to agree with you, or being bossy, or being pushing, or wanting to change a man - this is about a woman being allowed to be whomever and whatever she wants to be. This is also about a man getting accustomed to this type of woman, and coming to term with their own masculinity. Women are not threats to men, they are just different. We do not want to be men but we do want to be allowed to reach our potential without a label being put on us.
At least be brave enough to meet us half way.

Think there are any that will appreciate us -- self-sufficiency and all? You're so right about what you say. It takes a man with self-confidence to accept that kind of woman. And self-confidence? Very sexy.

Besides, what's the alternative to self-sufficiency? Neediness? No thank you.