Nuance Needed 83: Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing?
Nov 11, 2025
51:27
We're breaking down the viral British Vogue article and why it touched such a nerve about modern relationships, dating, and what women actually owe the world (in addition to the backlash to it)
In conversation, we tackle:
* Why the article hit so differently for single women versus partnered women
* The evolution from "pick me" culture to "boyfriend girl" being culturally cringe
* How the dating landscape has fundamentally changed from community-based connection to app-based chaos
* Why hetero-pessimism is actually a reasonable response to patriarchal structures
* The privilege conversations around choosing to stay single versus struggling to find partnership
* The polarizing digital ecosystem: it's embarrassing to have a boyfriend on the left, essential on the right
* The difference between critiquing heteronormativity and shaming women's choices
* The emotional labor of opening your stable, fulfilling life to the risk of heartbreak
* What this debate reveals about how we still police women's choices under patriarchy
* The freedom to choose partnership, singlehood, or anything in between without shame
If you’d like to support the show one of the best things you can do is leave us a review and share the pod! THANK YOU! We have some incredible BONUS episodes on our SUBSTACK! nuanceneeded.substack.com
To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.
Want to join the conversation? You can email us podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!
In conversation, we tackle:
* Why the article hit so differently for single women versus partnered women
* The evolution from "pick me" culture to "boyfriend girl" being culturally cringe
* How the dating landscape has fundamentally changed from community-based connection to app-based chaos
* Why hetero-pessimism is actually a reasonable response to patriarchal structures
* The privilege conversations around choosing to stay single versus struggling to find partnership
* The polarizing digital ecosystem: it's embarrassing to have a boyfriend on the left, essential on the right
* The difference between critiquing heteronormativity and shaming women's choices
* The emotional labor of opening your stable, fulfilling life to the risk of heartbreak
* What this debate reveals about how we still police women's choices under patriarchy
* The freedom to choose partnership, singlehood, or anything in between without shame
If you’d like to support the show one of the best things you can do is leave us a review and share the pod! THANK YOU! We have some incredible BONUS episodes on our SUBSTACK! nuanceneeded.substack.com
To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.
Want to join the conversation? You can email us podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!