Annoying can have various interpretations but there are some things that are universal in their capacity to irritate. Invading someone’s personal space is one of these. What is it about some people in a relationship who just don’t seem to get this? Perhaps, all of it can be blamed on rom-coms. Boys think women want to be spoken to as a fluffy animal rather than the humans they are. Thanks to all the Hindi films with problematic masculinity, endearment usually means the usual cheek-pulling, hair touching, etc.
Can we just say that we don’t really care for it. Physical touch is absolutely necessary in a relationship but these conditioned acts of affection can be done without. Let’s see how many of you can relate.
1. Talking in a baby voice
What is it with our partners thinking it is cute to talk in that very shrill baby voice? In the right situation, it can be cute but when it becomes a repetitive way of showing love, it can have the exact opposite reaction than the one intended. Getting infantilized in a conversation with your partner, who you know is your equal, can be quite frustrating.
2. Touching our hair
Does anyone realize how long styling these flowing curls took? The task takes a lot of effort, so you can keep your dirty hands to yourself and not try to be cute. Pushing that strand of hair has always been a romantic movie staple. Naturally they follow what they’ve seen, not realizing that in reality, people don’t give movie reactions.
3. Pulling our cheeks
Nah fam. I might look like there is no makeup on me but that’s not a cue for you to pull my cheeks and eff my face up. This is extended to even noses. We couldn’t care less if pulling our cheeks was eradicated as an activity.
4. Pulling our leg all the time
According to the Bollywood guide of life lessons, if a boy teases or pulls your leg constantly, he likes you. A little banter here and there is fine, however when it crosses a personal threshold, it needs to stop. Every joke cannot be justified as humour. Especially when you’re trying to explain something that is important to you.
5. Offer help even when we clearly said no.
What is it with men and wanting to appear macho all the time? There are times when you don’t need their help because you’re a whole person as well, but they just don’t get it. They’ll almost snatch your bag just to “help”’ you but understand, we don’t need help with EVERYTHING!
