Yep. We are definitely in a very tricky crossroads with gender norms. And everyone seems very tense lately. More so than 10 years ago. It saddens me too.

And while I agree with all your points, my "feminists goals" are not the same as most. I see a danger in conflating equality with similarity. I celebrate the differences in men and women, including the social constructs that have been ingrained in us.

But I also fight for equality and when I pick up the check, I am showing that I have the financial means to eradicate any of my guilt rejection. Unfortunately, money will always be equated with power. And sadly, it's partly why I will always scare off some men. Many men are not attracted to financially independent women. (I have already spilled too much ink on that subject. )