PsycHacks Episode 567: If he wanted to (maybe he would)
10 snips
Nov 3, 2025 Explore the intriguing dynamics behind the viral meme 'if he wanted to, he would.' Delve into how male effort correlates with attraction and why unrealistic 'princess treatment' shouldn’t be the standard. Discover how women's social media posts serve as strategic signaling among peers and potentially attract more desirable partners. Uncover the nuances of jealousy traps and the cultural differences between female bragging and male boasting. This conversation reveals layers of motivation behind what may seem like simple memes.
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Effort Correlates With Interest, But Not Perfectly
- Male effort often correlates with male interest, but absence of showy effort doesn't always equal disinterest.
- Orion Taraban warns that some men 'play their cards right' and may be interested without extravagant displays.
Assess Attraction Objectively
- Take 'If he wanted to' memes with skepticism and assess things objectively.
- Orion Taraban advises women to honestly evaluate their physical attractiveness rather than assuming lack of gifts equals lack of interest.
Posts As Subtle Intrasexual Signals
- Many 'If he wanted to' posts function as indirect self-aggrandizement and intrasexual jabs.
- Orion Taraban argues these posts implicitly brag about the poster's desirability to other women and men.
