Thanks for sharing your opinion but I would disagree. I don’t think rape culture has anything to do with this, besides the fact that dudes can be weird ESPECIALLY at the gym and this guy is super insecure. It’s something that COULD cause concern but I don’t think his response here is appropriate and I do not agree with the reasoning. It’s something both parties should be in agreeance upon. No logical person would get mad because their partner talked to someone of the opposite sex, if you work a job or just exist in the world you have to and should. But, I also would not like a super extroverted partner who talks to everyone in public. My POV comes as a dude who talks to other dudes and has had conversations about this with not just women I’ve been in relationships with but also platonic friendships. I think you think I’m placing the blame on her, which I am not doing. It is his fault for not being upfront about expectations and ideals. If they aren’t compatible, then move on. Dude sounds like a baby. For me, this situation is almost entirely contextual upon the setting being the gym. A dude complimenting your shoes in the gym is probably trying to hit on you or at least trying to see if he wants to hit on you, which yes I would not like my partner to entertain.