Hello all,

Since about 4 years I have been occupied with personal development, reading Jordan Peterson, multiple blogs and development programs. As I have dated some over the last couple of years, and feel like my experience with women is different, I just want to ask you guys: is it that bad? I do not live in America, so maybe that's a difference.

In the Netherlands, and in my experience at least, I feel that the women that I dated were also occupied with personal development themselves, and the women also like to take care of themselves in terms of finances, studies, work, etc. I am currently dating a girl who is studying coaching, training and development in University, she has work activities and side activities which she does, a healthy friend circle from what I have seen so far. Open-minded to do new things and since I am on government allowance (and in-between jobs), she knows what to expect of me and that we can't really do luxury things nowadays. She enjoys walking, going to museums and cooking together as well. She doesn't mind (and I honestly think that) that I have little to spend these days. Even then, she keeps insisting on letting her pay for some of my groceries, but sometimes I am just too proud.

Point being: her behaviour and actions show a difference from what I see on the internet, e.g. that girls are shallow and only out there to consume the man. While I don't share any accounts with her, and am very strict in also having quality me-time, and the other person as well, I just haven't seen any red flags so far. It's just not that extreme experience I had so far.

Granted, I don't even know if I want kids or if I want to marry. I rather just have a dog buddy and spend my days developing, working, cooking, and travelling.

Any opinions? Just curious. I'm curious if the women are as bad, but maybe I'm just being naive.