06.05.2025

Reader speaks out: Rising concern over female narcissism and the decline of reciprocity in modern relationships

A candid letter from a U.S. based reader addresses the growing issue of female narcissism, the imbalance of reciprocity in relationships, and the misrepresentation of men in modern media - urging men's platforms to educate and empower men in a changing world.

Photo credit: Shutterstock.

 

Letter from Anthon Hall,

As you may recall, we discussed the ethics of reciprocity back in January this year. I can't help but wonder why the ethics of reciprocity is no longer a two-way exchange as reported by the men in your feedback section. I wish to highlight that I too, had endured a similar experience.

There are a lot of narcissistic women in this world. This is the kind of ladies who only wish to see what men can do for them but not what they can do in return. The feedback from your readers represents a critical issue of female narcissism which has grown rampant throughout the years. Narcissistic women do not appreciate any men, and they think everyone is as twisted as them, so they don’t believe anyone is good. In this case any man would be lucky if they can get rid of them from their relationship. But based on my interaction with the male community, female narcissism is on the rise. 

There are many men out there who are happily single and spending their time and money pursuing their own hobbies and travelling around the world. A man would be lucky to get a good woman in today's world of female narcissism.

Have you heard from a woman who goes around saying ‘all men are the same’.? This is the kind of statement that you see in many "empowering" feminine movies where the women in the movies say stuff like "men have to be told what to do because (a) they aren't able to know what women want and (b) men are dumb".

The movie Barbie in 2023 is an example of a movie that has many elements of anti-patriarchy and anti-men. Other misandrist movies are 2022's The Woman King and Don't Worry Darling. The latter magnifies that life is better if men allow the women to be in charge. 2021's Widows is another film where men are seen as racists, homophobes, abusers, creeps, and an incestuous crook. Imagine movies that dare to dismiss men and showcase men as dumb was unheard of back then but society today has changed especially when the voice of a woman carries weight, regardless of innocence or guilt. It saddens me when a movie like Barbie gets plenty of support and becomes the No.1 movie in 2023 in terms of grosses (1.4 billion). It shows that women are giving their full support in a movie full of misandrist lies.

My then-girlfriend considered Barbie her favorite movie, and she strongly identified with its themes, including the more radical aspects of misandry presented in the film. This led to a significant rift between us, ultimately causing our breakup. I struggled to accept her perspective and I will never accept it, especially as she seemed to embrace a version of feminism that portrayed men in a derogatory light, as though they were incapable of independent thought and only existed to serve women while the women do not need to reciprocate the favor. The most surprising part of our argument was when she referenced her closest friends, who share her belief that men should be controlled and managed by women, while women, in their view, shouldn’t listen to men because they see them as spoiled, pampered children. 

Feminism is seriously real and it is among our society. My opinion is that neither gender should be undermined by the other. If only we could spend a day in each other's shoes but that thought-process has collapsed and failed because of ego and the desire to be competitive against another sex who was naturally born to be the leader.

I believe GC should publish more articles on female narcissism to help men stay vigilant.

While there are still a few women who embody the qualities of a true lady, unfortunately, those numbers have significantly declined.

With more awareness and write ups on female narcissism, hopefully deluded women who believe they are the superior gender won't get far with this ridiculous mentality.

Keep up the good work in educating men.

God Bless. 

Your avid reader, 

Anthon Hall.

Answer by The Gentleman:

Hi Anton,

Thank you for taking the time to write such a candid and impassioned letter. We remember our earlier exchange in January, and it's clear that your thoughts have only deepened since then. Your reflections on the ethics of reciprocity - and the imbalance you've witnessed - are strikingly an eye-opening and honest, and we honour that.

At GC, we take these sentiments seriously, not just as isolated complaints, but as part of a wider, deeper illness within modern culture. You’ve put into words what many men quietly endure: the sense that, at times, their efforts to love, protect, or provide are met not with gratitude, but with critique, entitlement, or even disdain. And while we cannot speak on behalf of the opposite gender, we fully acknowledge that a growing number of men feel disillusioned in this social contract.

However, as a publication rooted in the empowerment of men, we hold a firm line. Our mission is not to finding the faults of women, but to refine the moral code of men. We walk a narrow but noble path - one that refuses to descend into bitterness or blame, even when the world offers every reason to do so.

You’ve also touched on something profound, and we’d like to expand on it. The rise of narcissism in both women and men cannot be divorced from the structure of our times. We live in an era ruled by the attention economy - one that rewards theatricality and deception, appearance over substance, and validation over reflection. Social media and pop culture often elevate individuals to a kind of self-assigned heroism, where each person becomes the protagonist of their own universe. In such a world, it becomes easy - even seductive - to view others not as equals but as supporting characters or, worse, obstacles.

But life is not a movie, and none of us is the star forever. One of the most sobering truths we hold dear at GC is this: we are all human, finite, and fragile. One day, we will all face our mortality. And in 200 years, none of us - no matter how rich, powerful, or popular today - will be remembered by name. That is not a bleak thought, but a liberating one. It humbles us. It invites us to live with dignity, not delusion. And it reminds us that gentlemanliness is about being refined in our time, even if no one applauds us for it.

We understand your frustration about the portrayal of men in media, and we too are critical of narratives that reduce men to caricatures. But rather than retaliate in kind, we choose a different route. We help men see through the noise, stand taller in silence, and find strength not in domination, but in restraint and honour.

So no, we will not publish articles that focus on female narcissism. That is not our lane. But what we will continue doing is giving men the tools to reclaim their time, their energy, and their self-worth. We will continue to advocate for emotional clarity, spiritual purpose, and noble ambition. And we will continue to remind great men like you that, even in an imperfect world, it is still possible to live with intention and grace.

Anton, we thank you again for your thoughts. You are not alone, and your voice is a necessary part of the quiet elevation we are nurturing - one gentleman at a time.

 

With respect and resolve,

RELATED READING: A reader’s perspective on medieval and modern codes of leadership

 

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