13.02.2025

The social media flirtatious debate: A woman’s perspective

Should men like or comment on other women’s photos on social media? We explore the fine line between respect, loyalty, and social media etiquette in modern relationships.

Photo for illustration only. Photo credit: Benjamin Seda. 

 

Dear GC,

Christie here. This would be my 2nd time emailing you after my first on Nov 21, 2024 on people who are willing to be single.

I am just curious if GC would be willing to advocate men not to look or like another ladies photos on social media. This is not for me but it is a request by many other women out there who have had bad arguments until it leads to separation with their partners because their men would always quietly like another women's photo.
Many would also comment on another woman's photos which I think is very ungentlemanly and it represents elements of cheating.

I really think as a respected publication on gentleman, you should have a strong message to every men out there to be loyal and stop looking / liking / commenting on pictures of another woman regardless if she is a friend, a celebrity, public figure etc. If a woman demands to look at a man's phone, give it to them. If you are honest, you have nothing to hide right? This is exactly why women are feeling marginalized and becoming more sensitive.

Men are so disloyal that instead of going out with a girl which makes it more obvious, they quietly like on another woman's sexy photos in hope that that the other woman would pay attention to. I think there are a lot of women who are not happy with this behavior from many men. Encouraging men to offer their phones to their women to me, is an act of a gentleman because he is proving his loyalty to the one and only.

Thank you for your professionalism and response.

Christie

Answer by The Gentleman:

Hi Christie,

Thank you for your continued readership and for bringing this important modern dilemma to our attention. Your November letter on embracing singlehood sparked meaningful discussions among our readers, and this latest correspondence touches on equally significant territory in today's digital landscape.

We understand your concerns, and we acknowledge that social media has introduced disturbance and complexities into modern relationships. Men, by nature, are visual creatures, and social media platforms—especially Instagram—are designed with algorithms that capitalize on this by curating content that appeals to them, often centering around women.

At Gentleman's Code, we believe that excellence demands focus. A true gentleman channels his energy into meaningful pursuits: personal growth, investing for retirement, being physically fit, and most importantly, creating precious moments with his significant other. The fleeting dopamine rush of scrolling through carefully curated social media feeds pales in comparison to the joy of genuine connection.

Regarding social media etiquette, our position is clear and principled: A gentleman's digital interactions should reflect the same respect and discretion he demonstrates in person. Comments on photos should be limited to shared experiences – celebrating a friend's achievement, acknowledging a professional milestone, or marking significant occasions. Even then, such comments should be courteous and never flirtatious. A man of class and integrity does not seek validation or attention from strangers online.

Regarding transparency in relationships, we agree that honesty is paramount. If a woman wishes to see her partner’s phone, a gentleman who has nothing to hide should have no issue sharing it—but this principle must work both ways. Trust is a two-way street, and mutual respect should always be the foundation of any relationship.

Finally, while we recognize that some women have experienced hurt from social media behavior, it would be unfair to generalize all men as disloyal. There are many gents who treat their partners with devotion and excellence. However, if your perspective stems from personal experience, we respect that as an experiential truth.

The gentleman's approach to social media is simple: Would this action make my partner proud? Would it enhance or diminish our bond? A man of character knows that every tap, like, and comment either builds or erodes trust. He chooses wisely.

Thank you for initiating this important conversation. Your voice helps shape the modern gentleman's code of conduct in our increasingly digital world.

 

With sincere appreciation and respect,

The Gentleman

READ: Why being single is a powerful choice: A female reader's thoughtful perspective


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