First of all, let’s all calm down; women don’t want you getting into literal fist fights for their honor, so you don’t need to finally confess that you aren’t actually a black belt in karate. That can be your strange little secret. Fighting for someone simply means being willing to engage in a little nonphysical conflict, when necessary, to stand up for the person you love.
Too many guys, for fear of being one of those intolerable agro types, overcorrect by standing back when their partner could clearly use a little support in an argument or dispute with somebody else. That is especially true when that somebody else is a friend or family member of the guy. Being willing to fight for someone shows that you love them. Here are times women want you to fight for them.
1. When your family questions her career
To your family, your partner may “just be a cocktail server.” But to you, she’s a total bad*ss who is paying her way through a night class that’s teaching her how to build apps because she has a killer app idea. If and when your family makes your partner feel insecure about her career path, tell them loud and clear how she’s actually doing an amazing job.
2. When your family questions her upbringing
Your partner may not have had the greatest upbringing. Her parents may have gotten a divorce, had affairs or even had substance abuse problems. If your family ever questions how that’s affected her character, you should absolutely tell them how proud you are of her for learning from her family’s mistakes and carving out a life for herself that is healthier and full of possibilities.
3. When she faces sexism
Don’t be confused; saying nothing when your girlfriend faces sexism is not your way of being a feminist. Being a feminist means believing men and women deserve equal treatment, and you show that you believe that by putting the sexist person in their place.
4. When a guy hits on her
It doesn’t make you possessive to gently tell a man, “Back off—she’s with me actually”—it makes you her boyfriend! The fact that she’s with you is simply the truth. If you won’t step in and say that when another man hits on her, how is she supposed to feel that you cherish this relationship?
5. When anybody underappreciates her
Anytime you see somebody underappreciate your girlfriend—whether it’s her family member, friend, roommate or colleague—say something. You know how kind and hardworking your girlfriend is. You know what goes on behind the scenes. Maybe you should let her mother, who criticizes her for not calling her enough, know about all that, too. (Say it gently, of course, because it is her mother).
6. When another woman hits on you
Your job isn’t to let a woman, who knows you are taken, down lightly. Your job is to show your girlfriend that you have no problem telling a woman, “What is wrong with you? I’m clearly here with somebody” to show her what she means to you.
7. When your friend dominates the conversation
Your friend means well, but he never lets your girlfriend speak; he talks the entire dinner, is obsessed with work-related chatter, and doesn’t ask your girlfriend about herself. Interrupt him, and tell him about all the great stuff your girlfriend’s been up to. If he’s a good friend, you can even tell him, “Okay—time for somebody else to talk!” and he should get a laugh out of it.
8. When she’s too shy to stand up for herself
Your girlfriend can stand up for herself, but some times are harder than others. If there is a certain person who you know intimidates your girlfriend and always renders her speechless, swoop in and help her out. At least get the conversation started for her.
9. When somebody suggests this relationship is fleeting
If somebody makes a joke about how she’ll just be “another notch on the belt” or a comment on how you don’t seem that committed to each other, you cannot sit in silence. Let them know, “Actually, we’re looking at apartments together” or simply “Actually I feel very strongly about her.”
10. When her friends criticize her choices in men
Maybe she has had quite a doozy of a dating life. Maybe her friends love to remind her about it—it’s almost as if they want to rub it in her face that just because this boyfriend is good doesn’t’ mean she suddenly has good taste in men. Step in and tell them how impressive it is that she’s learned from her experiences, and how mature you think that makes her.
11. When your friends bring up your exes
If your friends bring up your exes and it clearly makes your girlfriend uncomfortable, tell your buddies to cool it. Your girlfriend shouldn’t have to be the one to say that, because you know if she did, your friends would think she was jealous or controlling. Don’t set her up to fail like that.
12. If a man tries to touch her
If a man is clearly making your girlfriend uncomfortable by putting his hand on her lower back, touching her hand or more, you can say something. Sometimes women feel frozen in these situations—they don’t want to make the guy mad by saying, “Take your hands off of me”—and they could use a little help.
Source: Madamenoire.com
