End Mansplaining And Empower Women With These 15 Steps

Nothing is more frustrating than a man trying to assert dominance by explaining the obvious. From gym bros providing their unrequested help to random dudes explaining to professional pool players how to properly set up balls, we’ve all seen videos online of men behaving in the silliest way. Most women have experienced mansplaining at least once; if you’re among them, you know how annoying it can be. To stop this behavior, consider these tips to prevent men from stating the obvious.
Recognize the Signs of Mansplaining

Recognizing mansplaining is the first step towards stopping it. It often comes across as condescending or patronizing, with the person assuming you lack knowledge about the subject. Pay attention to the tone of voice and whether the explanation is necessary. If someone is interrupting you to explain something you clearly understand, it’s a red flag. Being aware of these signs helps you address the issue promptly.
Speak Up Early

Don’t let mansplaining continue unchecked; address it as soon as you notice it. Politely but firmly interrupt to assert your knowledge or expertise. You might say, “I’m quite familiar with this topic, thanks.” This stops the unnecessary explanation and sets a precedent that you won’t tolerate being spoken to condescendingly. It’s essential to be assertive and clear about your boundaries. Speaking up early can prevent further frustration and ensure your voice is heard.
Use Assertive Body Language

Your body language can speak volumes. Maintain eye contact, be direct, and use open gestures to convey confidence. Assertive body language can deter mansplaining by showing you are self-assured and knowledgeable. It also helps you feel more confident and in control. Remember, how you present yourself can influence how others perceive and treat you. By projecting confidence, you can discourage condescending behavior.
Ask Questions

Sometimes, turning the tables by asking questions can be effective. Questions like, “Why do you think I need an explanation on this?” or “Can you explain why you assumed I didn’t know this?” can make the mansplainer realize their behavior. This approach encourages them to reflect on their assumptions without confrontation. It also shifts the conversation to a more respectful tone. Asking questions can subtly challenge the mansplainer and stop the behavior.
Redirect the Conversation

If someone starts mansplaining, try redirecting the conversation. Steer it back to the original topic or highlight your contributions and knowledge. You might say, “Actually, I was discussing a different aspect of this topic.” This keeps the discussion on track and emphasizes your expertise. Redirecting the conversation can also help you regain control and ensure your points are heard. It’s a practical way to handle mansplaining without escalating the situation.
Use Humor

You can use humor to diffuse mansplaining. A light-hearted comment like, “Wow, I didn’t know I needed a tutorial on that!” can make your point without causing a confrontation. Humor can highlight the situation’s absurdity and make the mansplainer reconsider their approach. However, use this strategy carefully, as it may not suit every situation or personality. Humor can be an effective way to address and stop mansplaining.
Educate on the Impact

Sometimes, people don’t realize the negative impact of their mansplaining. Take the opportunity to explain how it can be condescending and disrespectful. Share how it undermines your expertise and disrupts the conversation. Educating others can lead to more respectful interactions in the future. This proactive approach can help reduce mansplaining over time.
Set Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries is essential. Let others know you expect to be treated respectfully and have value-productive conversations. If mansplaining continues, remind them of your boundaries and steer the conversation back on track. Boundaries help establish what is and isn’t acceptable behavior. They empower you to take control of interactions. Clear boundaries can ensure you’re treated with the respect you deserve.
Provide Constructive Feedback

Offering constructive feedback can prevent future instances of mansplaining. Explain how the behavior affected you and suggest more respectful ways to communicate. For example, you might say, “I appreciate your input, but I felt your explanation was unnecessary and a bit condescending.” Constructive feedback encourages personal growth and fosters a more respectful dialogue. Be specific and focus on the behavior, not the person.
Build Confidence

Building your confidence is crucial. The more confident you are in your knowledge and abilities, the easier it is to assert yourself. Practice self-affirmation and surround yourself with supportive people. Confidence helps you stand your ground and communicate your boundaries. It also reduces the likelihood of being undermined by others. Confidence is critical to navigating and stopping mansplaining effectively.
Support Others

If you see someone else being mansplained to, offer your support. Intervene politely to redirect the conversation and acknowledge the other person’s expertise. Statements like, “I think she’s got this covered,” can help shift the focus and support the person being mansplained to. Supporting others sets a standard for respectful communication. It fosters a more inclusive environment. Standing up for others encourages a culture of mutual respect.
Practice Active Listening

Active listening is crucial in any conversation. Ensure you’re fully engaged and listening to understand, not just to respond. This practice helps identify when mansplaining occurs and how to address it effectively. It also sets a positive example for others to follow. Active listening promotes respectful and meaningful dialogue. By being a good listener, you can better navigate and address instances of mansplaining.
Leverage Allies

Enlisting the help of allies can be powerful. Colleagues or friends who understand and support your stance can help reinforce respectful communication standards. They can step in during conversations to back you up or validate your points. Having allies creates a sense of solidarity and can dissuade repeat offenders. Building a network of support fosters a more respectful environment.
Don’t Do It Yourself

Women may also be responsible for mansplaining! How? Whenever you interrupt someone to explain something that nobody asked you to explain, which is already obvious to everyone. Before accusing others, we should all take a moment to wonder whether we are also responsible for it sometimes. If yes, learn to recognize whenever you do so and try to avoid it!
Be Understanding

Mensplaning is extremely annoying. Yet, it’s important to understand that not all men do it to belittle women. Just think of a retired person who may have spent all his life in an environment in which it is taken for granted that men are the ones who need to explain things. While it is never justifiable, only by being kind and explaining your position and opinion with kindness, you can bring about positive change.
Mansplaining can be frustrating, but effective ways exist to address and stop it. You can foster more respectful conversations by recognizing the signs, speaking up, and setting clear boundaries. Educating others and providing constructive feedback can lead to long-term improvements. Confidence and active listening are crucial in navigating these interactions. Enlisting allies and reflecting on your behavior also play essential roles.