I realize this can be seen as an invite to trash women, but that's not my intent. I think women have been asking themselves why they want or need men for a generation or two, and a decent number can't come up with a lot of good reasons. Men piss and moan about how dating works or seeming inequities re casual sex, and some react by saying they're done with women, but they aren't done and are just acting out in frustration. If an outcome or the rules of a game piss you off or damage your sense of self, isn't it wise to ask why you play the game and whether you should?

Those very men would benefit most from searching for the answer to "why" they're so pained by the real or perceived imbalances in hetero dating, but it's a great question for any man to consider. Ironically, asking this and answering honestly might clarify their thoughts and make them more effective in their pursuits. But it also might lead to the answer that they don't need a relationship with a woman. Then they'd be free to ask whether they want one with the same critical approach. In this manner they'd likely winnow away things they've accepted uncritically or out of fear or neediness and be left with either healthy reasons to date, or the info they need to make an informed decision to step away, at least for a while.

ETA, by "what would happen if? I mean specifically where woulkd that self inquiry lead and what impact would it have on men and dating/relationships in general?