interesting post, gashly. we have to keep fighting the male dominated culture and stereotypes against women. my ex and I, on first "date" played piano for each other, after much wine, and he never said one good thing about how well I played! they expect all the praise. I learned alot recently when I finally caught up with watching "Domino" from 2005, seeing how strong that character was...went for her goals, but made bad decisions. Same actress in new movie (very bad one), showed her in a simpering, nail biting, passive role. Our culture sends a myriad of mixed messages about women. I think it takes a very mature guy, having been pretty well brought up without abuse to appreciate the beauty, accomplishments and absolute value in all women's lives. I'm learning to just forget the jerks locked into their stereotypes. I don't try to live up to what anyone thinks about me anyway...some men still view women as disposable pleasure and that really makes me burn...I will continue to ask for my needs to be met without apology. Battle on....