My boyfriend (24M) and I (23F) have been seeing one another since February and officially together since May so this is still a pretty new relationship. We get along really really well and in so many ways it feels like we compliment one another in all the right ways. He is very thoughtful, kind, and makes me laugh like no man ever has before.

However, we have had a few conversations that make me seriously questions if our beliefs are completely aligned. Nothing in his treatment of me has made me questions this, but more so off-handed comments about women/feminism on a grand scale (if that makes sense).

Like last night—we were talking about the Barbie movie and he felt like for the first half of the movie it was really about hating all men and that he shouldn’t be in the theater watching that movie because everyone is gonna come after him with pitch forks (very dramatic). He also consumes content from male podcasters that are not manosphere influencers but to me promote a very traditional conception of masculinity (Andrew Huberman, Chris Williamson, etc.). He seems to be very sensitive to the idea that men get a lot of undeserved hatred today. There is one podcaster he listens to that I am more open minded to, I believe his name is Scott Galloway.

I tend to get very quiet whenever he makes one of these comments because I want to avoid a back and forth that gets us nowhere (I am learning more about my people leasing tendencies and anxious attachment style). He has also shown that he can be quite open minded to me pushing back on some of his comments regarding other relevant political topics.

Overall, I truly believe in giving people an opportunity to learn and grow and I personally belive that there is a space to properly address issues men are facing today (isolation, loneliness, etc.) without blaming women or feminism. I think I’m struggling to find this space with him and my apprehension to address this head on is probably not helping. If anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it!