9. “You’re not man enough”
Even when it’s said as a joke, this one can really sting. Telling a man he’s not “man enough” reinforces outdated gender stereotypes that honestly need to go. Not every guy is going to be a muscle-bound action hero or the silent, tough-as-nails provider, and that’s okay. Expecting your partner to live up to some fantasy version of masculinity is unfair and exhausting. When you say this, even if you’re kidding around, it sends a message that he’s failing at something he never signed up for. It’s like holding him to an old-school 1950s standard that doesn’t fit modern relationships. Everyone deserves to be valued for who they are, not who society thinks they should be. Respect isn’t optional, even when you’re joking.
Read More: Inside the World of Hotwifing: How Some Couples Believe It Strengthens Their Marriages
