I think about this once in a while because, well it’s not getting any better, and the framing seems to stick. The patriarchal subtext that women need to lower their standards and subjugate themselves is pretty obvious. But I also think there is the corollary message to men that they don’t need to self reflect or evolve in their attitudes.

I mean that beyond the level of a sexist society upholding male privileges, I think it cements the idea that men and especially younger guys are just a certain fixed way. And it serves as a framing that front-runs even having to ask questions like how did these men learn these behaviors and attitudes, how should they think and act, how could they become more chill and fun people to be around. Not just for romantic partners but for male and female friendships generally.

And I don’t mean to be overly male focused because I certainly agree with posters saying that this affects everyone and is a general issue of being disconnected beyond just not having romantic partners.