What Are the Early Signs of a Man Who Will Exploit Me Later? Feminist Advice (Paid Subscriber Bonus)
A reader asks for concrete guidance on spotting early warning signs of a partner who may become exploitative, especially before moving in or having children. The author emphasizes the need for proactive conversations about household labor, finances, and respect for career goals. Advice focuses on establishing clear boundaries, observing reactions to equity discussions, and recognizing subtle misogynistic behaviors. The goal is to build a healthy, equitable dynamic from the relationship’s infancy.
Stefanie O'Connell: The Ambition Penalty
In this episode of Liberating Motherhood, award‑winning journalist Stephanie O'Connell discusses her new book *The Ambition Penalty*, which reveals how corporate culture rewards men for the same behaviors that penalize women. She explains that women are punished for negotiating, asserting...
Does an Emotional Affair Justify Years of Punishment? Feminist Advice
An eight‑year‑divorced mother recounts an emotional affair that sparked a punitive response from her ex‑husband, who has since withheld support, obstructed custody arrangements, and used the alleged infidelity to justify ongoing abuse. The columnist argues the affair was a symptom...
Here's What Your Male Partner Will Probably Do when You Try to Leave. And Here's How You Can Prepare.
The article outlines how abusive male partners deploy a predictable set of patriarchal tactics when a woman attempts to leave, aiming to retain control and punish her. It argues that these behaviors stem from societal conditioning that suppresses men’s critical...
Is He a Match, or a Future Abuser? Feminist Advice
The post warns that many men feign feminist beliefs to attract partners, only revealing misogynistic attitudes later. It argues that verbal claims are cheap and that true character surfaces through behavior, especially under stress or conflict. Readers are urged to...
Should My Son Change His Shoes to Ease My Husband's Anxiety? Feminist Advice
A reader asks whether to curb her son’s preference for pink‑heart shoes after her husband worries the style could invite bullying. The mother values gender‑neutral parenting and recalls her own school bullying, while the father fears the child’s visible gender...
TJ Raphael: Coercive Adoption, Liberty Lost, and Who Gets to Be a Mother
In this episode, host Zahn Valines talks with investigative journalist TJ Raphael about her award‑winning documentary series *Liberty Lost*, which exposes coercive adoption practices at the Liberty Godparent Home—a maternity home tied to Liberty University and the anti‑abortion network Heartbeat...
I Thought Women Friends Were the Answer. They're Just as Bad as Men. Feminist Advice (Paid Subscriber Bonus)
A long‑time reader writes that after her divorce she expected feminist‑leaning women to provide lasting support, but instead encountered abandonment and betrayal similar to her experiences with men. She recounts a canceled girls’ vacation, a mother who vanished during the...
These Strategies Can Help You Set Boundaries with an Abuser
The article outlines practical tactics for establishing boundaries with various types of abusers, from family members to workplace bullies. It emphasizes recognizing the abuser’s motive—extracting power or resources—and refusing to yield that power. Strategies include documenting incidents, refusing to act...
My Mother-in-Law Treats My Uterus Like Family Property. Feminist Advice
A reader asks for scripts to tell a mother‑in‑law they will remain child‑free by choice. The advice emphasizes that the partner, not the daughter‑in‑law, must set firm boundaries and communicate the decision directly. It recommends clear, non‑negotiable statements and limiting...
My Husband Has ADHD. What Accommodations Do I Owe Him? Feminist Advice Paid Subscriber Bonus
The post asks whether a spouse with severe, untreated ADHD deserves special accommodations or if his condition can be used to avoid household responsibilities. It highlights the tension between genuine neuro‑developmental challenges and the risk of weaponizing the diagnosis to...
Sarah Ruden: A Short History of Bad Ideas About Women
In this episode of Liberating Motherhood, host Zonva Lines talks with classical scholar and translator Sarah Ruden about her new book, *Reproductive Wrongs: A Short History of Bad Ideas About Women*. Ruden traces how patriarchal myths about women’s bodies—from ancient...