Toxic femininity is real, and it’s common. It’s just not as common, not as harmful (at least not directly), and it’s source is different (it’s source is toxic masculinity). It’s just extremely politically incorrect to talk about it. I’ve seen it, I’ve heard women talk about it (when I’m a woman) and I’ve experienced it (when I’m a man) — in many multiple occasions.

The problem is that many man are so toxic that they falsely claim toxic femininity. This is so common that it drowns out and gives a bad rap to situations when toxic femininity is legitimate often creating unseen emotional damage to good guys, who in some cases ironically BECOME toxic as a result, and without being aware of what is happening. A simple example of toxic femininity is when a man is criticized for being too aggressive or too negative in situations that require a careful balance of strength and compassion (eg tough love, dealing with a complex situation) .

Both men and women are capable of being inappropriately toxic to the opposite sex. Both men and women are capable of being evil. But it’s a good idea to give women a little more leeway because men have abused women with their power over the years…but there are limits, and toxic femininity should not be allowed to be used as a tool for manipulation and power which is sometimes is.