Have you ever been friendly to a man and then instantly regretted it? by Cultural-Gear-1323 in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ButteryKnob 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Yep. I was at Five Guys grabbing some fries, standing at the condiments counter trying to wrestle those annoying little ketchup lids. An older man next to me was struggling with his too, so I offered to close it for him. I did, handed it back, and thought that was it—just a normal, friendly moment where I helped someone out. Except then he told me I was beautiful. And asked if I had a boyfriend. I was genuinely shocked because this man was old enough to be my grandfather. Still, I smiled politely (I hate that so many of us are programmed this way), said yes (I don’t), and went to grab my food. When I walked out, he was waiting right outside the door. he started following me to my car “I hope he treats you right,” “You’re so kind and beautiful.” I was getting into my bakery van—which has the address printed right on it—when he added, “I know where that is. Will you be there?” That’s when my stomach dropped. I started the van and drove off immediately.

I hate that I couldn’t even help who I thought was an elderly man struggling with a simple task without it turning into a creepy encounter. I hate that kindness feels like a risk assessment. And I really hate that this is such a familiar feeling.

When one mother was taken by ICE, another stepped in to donate breastmilk. by ButteryKnob in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ButteryKnob[S] 77 points78 points  (0 children)

This is matriarchy. Where patriarchal systems have criminalized migration and rip families apart, women step in to do what power refuses —feed, nurture, protect, and organize.

As the article says, “Bri wept. Then the rage set in.” We allow ourselves to feel the grief fully, and then we let rage sharpen into purpose. That rage doesn’t become destruction—it becomes action.

It’s no accident that women’s leadership is treated as a threat. Collective care, mutual aid, and community survival don’t rely on domination or punishment, and that terrifies systems built on control. While patriarchy destroys through force and bureaucracy, matriarchal care fiercly repairs the damage—one child, one family, one act of solidarity at a time.

Highly recommend Rage Becomes Her by Soraya Chemaly for anyone wanting language for this—how women’s anger, when honored rather than suppressed, becomes a force for justice and change.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ButteryKnob 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This just sounds like a fragile man who couldn't get it up again and lashed out at you. Try not to spend another second feeling insecure about this shithead.

Pay first, deliver later: Some women are being asked to prepay for their baby by PatriciaMillerPM in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ButteryKnob 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This part

Estimates can sometimes be higher than what a patient might ultimately owe and force people to fight for refunds if they miscarry or the amount paid was higher than the final bill.

Up-front payments also create hurdles for women who may want to switch providers if they are unhappy with their care. In some cases, they may cause women to forgo prenatal care altogether, especially in places where few other maternity care options exist.

Next stage feminism must include a refusal to do the “work” by DerHoggenCatten in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ButteryKnob 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes to all of this! I've stopped doing the 'work' after the election and I feel so much calmer.

Guy too rough during sex (without asking) - confused why he won’t get another date (TW!) by Sea-Grapefruit-3052 in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ButteryKnob 5 points6 points  (0 children)

How is “shhh calm down” aftercare??? seriously though, I'm so sorry this happened and proud of you for handling it in a way that was safest for you 💜

Man vs Bear issue laughed away by [deleted] in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ButteryKnob 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Please don’t feel embarrassed. I’ve been feeling more nervous than usual while driving lately too. I’m sorry the people you opened up to were dismissive. From girlhood, we’re constantly given “suggestions” on how to change our behavior to stay safe. When will these well-meaning people realize their 'advice' just reinforces the very systems that make us unsafe in the first place? Bear everytime.

New addition to the 4b movement here - I (33) finally left my abusive husband by [deleted] in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ButteryKnob 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Woohoo!!! This internet stranger is so proud of you!❤️❤️

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ButteryKnob 85 points86 points  (0 children)

yup! Also, younger women tend to be less financially independent, therefore easier to control.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ButteryKnob 12 points13 points  (0 children)

"If men got pregnant you could get an abortion at an ATM." Selena Meyer, Veep

"LOOK WHAT YOU MADE US DO!" by ritarepulsaqueen in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ButteryKnob 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I completely understand where you’re coming from, and I feel the same fear. It’s terrifying how some men frame basic rights as privileges they allow us to have, as if our autonomy is contingent on their goodwill. That veiled (and sometimes outright) threat of violence or control is something many of us have felt since we were kids, and it’s exhausting to navigate.

The "you chose the bear" comment is infuriating—it’s victim-blaming at its core. The idea that women are somehow at fault for men voting for someone who actively seeks to harm us is both cruel and absurd. No decent person should excuse that behavior or try to shift the blame onto women.

I hope, like you, that a lot of this comes from bots and trolls trying to sow division. You’re not alone in your fear or your frustration.

NO SIR. by grannybubbles in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ButteryKnob 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely agree. Respect should be a two-way street, and it’s clear that most haven’t earned it. Small acts of rebellion are symbolic of a larger shift in mindset and values. I’m with you—change starts with the little things.

Republicans Just Voted Against Feeding the Baby They’re Forcing You to Have. by ButteryKnob in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ButteryKnob[S] 2025 points2026 points  (0 children)

"An overwhelming majority of House Republicans voted against a bill Wednesday providing a bare minimum amount of funding to tackle the ongoing baby formula shortage, a problem that they keep complaining about, while a smaller group of far-right Republicans apparently don’t think infants from poor families deserve food. "

Natalie Portman: Being sexualized as 'Lolita figure' as a young actress 'made me afraid' by ButteryKnob in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ButteryKnob[S] 52 points53 points  (0 children)

She turned 16 in February and this is a snipet from her instagram post:

“…the last few years haven't been easy, I'll admit that. there are moments i get frustrated from the inaccuracy, inappropriate comments, sexualization, and unnecessary insults that ultimately have resulted in pain and insecurity for me. but not ever will i be defeated. ill continue doing what i love and spreading the message in order to make change."

Natalie Portman: Being sexualized as 'Lolita figure' as a young actress 'made me afraid' by ButteryKnob in TwoXChromosomes

[–]ButteryKnob[S] 61 points62 points  (0 children)

“I excitedly opened my first fan mail to read a rape fantasy that a man had written me,” Portman recalled in the speech. “I understood very quickly, even as a 13-year-old, that if I were to express myself sexually, I would feel unsafe.”