10 things women commonly avoid giving to their partners

In 2025, women are drawing sharper boundaries in relationships, reshaping the rules of intimacy and emotional labor.

Have you noticed a shift in the dating world? Psychotherapist Sophie Birgan writes that women are no longer tolerating relationships that lack emotional depth. It’s not just a passing trend; it’s a significant change fueled by women prioritizing their peace of mind above all else.

Many women are weary of carrying the emotional burden in relationships, and today’s generations are certainly more invested in self-care. In 2025, they’re drawing lines and keeping what matters most to them. So, what are they no longer giving away? Let’s get to the things that women are keeping for themselves.

Being a Cheerful Fixer

Women are retiring. They are exhausted and no longer need to act as the Cheerful Fixer, the woman unequally responsible for the emotional well-being of their relationship. In fact, Pew Research data found that women are much more likely than men to say dating has gotten harder (55% vs. 39%).

This is likely due to the increased pressure on women to balance career, family, and relationships while also trying to navigate societal expectations and double standards.

Automatic Forgiveness for Infidelity

The days of silently forgiving a partner’s cheating are over. Woman are no longer prepared to sacrifice themselves and their emotional state to a relationship that has been shattered by infidelity.

Unrestricted Financial Authority

The old-school notion of women relying on men to be the financial providers is nearing extinction, as it should be. Societal norms have shifted, and today, according to a May 2021 YouGov study, 53% of men and 48% of women in couples said that neither person was financially dependent on the other.

It’s becoming more common for women to partner with people who earn less, but the expectation is partnership, not sponsorship. Let go of old notions about finances, and instead focus on emotional connection and mutual understanding.

Complete Financial Disclosure

Giving bank statements and investment portfolios to someone on the second date? Not anymore. Women are becoming more cautious about sharing their financial details early in a relationship.

It’s not about secrecy; it’s about building trust over time. Think about it as a video game; you don’t get the ultimate level at the very beginning. Financial independence is valued, and women are safeguarding the fruits of their labor until there’s a partner who can demonstrate they’re a safe and sound investment.

Unconditional Access to Their Personal Time

A woman’s calendar is no longer an open-source document for her partner. Women are reclaiming their time and space, and their relationships are stronger because of it.

It’s about creating healthy space, something that, as the wise thought leader Brené Brown said, “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others. This means solo nights, hobbies, and friend dates are staying on the schedule.

The Keys That Unlock Their Family’s Past

Personal family drama, or childhood trauma, is something that anyone can relate to. But these deeply personal stories are increasingly being told on women’s own terms: when and with whom they see fit.

Counselors often describe healthy relationships as ones that have “windows and walls.” Things can be seen, but some are kept private, safe, and secret for the sake of trust. Women are holding back until a relationship seems strong, respectful, and genuinely supportive before opening up about the most vulnerable aspects of their histories.

Sexual Availability on Demand

Sexual intimacy is no longer being treated as a given. Research from the University of Guelph reveals that many women still perceive less forceful forms of sexual coercion as usual and expected within dating relationships.

Women are beginning to assert their boundaries: intimacy is no longer a given, but a conscious choice. They are no longer willing to tolerate toxic dynamics, prioritizing respect and consent over the mere act of giving or receiving physical affection.

A ‘Yes’ to Major Life Changes Without Discussion

The idea that a woman should automatically uproot her entire life to accommodate a partner’s career path or whim is so 20th-century.

Personal autonomy in major life decisions is a top relationship value for more than half of women in 2025. A move, or otherwise drastic life change, should be something amicable and beneficial to both parties. It’s about the team, not the leader.

Their Social Media and Digital Passwords

Couples used to view sharing passwords as a sign of intimacy in relationships, although that has begun to shift; today, it’s more often seen as a violation of privacy.

According to UN Women, “digital rights are women’s rights,” emphasizing that privacy and human rights deserve the same protection online as offline. Healthy relationships should be rooted in trust, not in monitoring each other’s private digital spaces.

This means that they are waiting for their partners to show that they are capable of and willing to engage in deep, two-person emotional sharing before they open themselves up to share their own most profound thoughts and feelings.

Complete Emotional Vulnerability from Day One

Deep emotional closeness becomes something to earn, rather than something to assume. Women are tired of sharing their souls only to receive a lukewarm or clueless response. Women are asking their partners to join them with the same kind of emotional courage.

This means that they are waiting for their partners to show that they are capable of and willing to engage in deep, two-person emotional sharing before they open themselves up to share their own most profound thoughts and feelings.

The 15 Things Women Only Do With the Men They Love

The 15 Things Women Only Do With the Men They Love

Love is a complex, beautiful emotion that inspires profound behaviors. We express our love in various ways, some universal, while others are unique to each individual. Among these expressions, there are specific actions women often reserve for the men they deeply love.

This piece explores 15 unique gestures women make when they’re in love. From tiny, almost invisible actions to grand declarations, each tells a story of deep affection and unwavering commitment. Read on to discover these 15 things women only do with the men they love.