18 Comments

Amazing take - Hadn't heard this backstory/news before, but reading your post helped me identify insecurity that I've experienced lately with meeting very interesting and accomplished women in a new city. I'd been feeling like "Wow I really need to work on my accomplishments so that I can get on their level, because I feel inferior", and now I can see a path to "Oh that would be awesome to date someone who is accomplishing so much, I'd be so proud." This also allows for a more centered approach on my own journey to accomplishment.

Good stuff Liz.

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thank you for this vulnerable share jonathan! i know a lot of men relate because they’ve told me that exact same thing too. traditional expectations put so much pressure on men, but as a woman i’m way more attracted to kindness and passion, rather than accomplishments. and when a guy isn’t insecure about yours it’s a turn on!

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Don't have much to contribute to the conversation at the moment, but wanted to say thanks for writing and sharing this. It's cooking in my head.

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thanks for being here :)

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Sadly, it’s been ever thus. But more and more men are finding ways to support and be proud of their partners. Having said that, money plus fame are powerful factors that can make men feel less than. As a woman, I’d feel that way if the shoe was on the other foot. It’s hard when the spotlight is white hot on one person and less so on the other—if at all. As more women out earn and out perform their husbands, hopefully some equilibrium will be reached.

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agreed! men need more models and male leaders paving the way and showing them how being with a successful wife makes you even more of a man!

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Barack Obama took us a long way but it is a long road and things like this and related podcasts are doing great things. It is a job as well for women who demonstrate their willingness to accept the “feminine side” of their men - many women are not there yet. Cultural change takes a long time. Thank you Liz for your kindness, generosity of spirit, understanding of the male dilemma and willingness to always listen. You have and will continue to make a great contribution to us grown up little boys trying to get there. Thank you again always.

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Didn’t you know that males are the “real catch” despite being married to Olympic gold medalists? 🙄 This is why 70% of divorces are initiated by women:

https://www.tmz.com/2023/12/27/simone-biles-fans-bombard-jonathan-owens-ig-after-controversial-comments/

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It’s like the goal of patriarchal conditioning is to create insecurity that defies objectively noteworthy accomplishments. He’s articulating his insecurity.

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yes patriarchy is such a lose lose !

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Me encanta poder recibir este contenido Liz. Poder estar al dia con lo que pasa en el mundo exterior de mi vida. Gracias por tu contribucion.

I am delighted to be a part of this community and receive information about what is happening in the world. Patriarchy is like an onion, where I always need to peel another layer to learn where I stand. Thank you for being a part of this world that shares knowledge.

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we love having you with us maria ❤️

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Oh my God, this is so cute! And yes, Taylor and Travis are the cutest couple ever, they’re my favorite!

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Liz, thank you for sharing. I hadn't heard about this "kerfuffle" before your email. What an interesting story of insecurity and the patriarchy. Celebrity, fame, and accomplishment are part of the story, but as a financial planner, I see it with the non-celebrity female 'bread winners' as well. The need to define who's the BOSS. Who has the control? Again, thanks for your story.

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This rather typical situation makes me sad obviously because of the malignant patriarchy that will linger forever but also because prominent folks who could be leaders in dismantling this rubbish don't sieze the moment to lead. Instead of "carpe he'im" it's time for "carpe she'im"

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Yes! Something has not sat well with me since the backlash showed up on the internet and I believe you articulated this beautifully. I work at an all boys school and in the subject I teach, we have a lot of conversations about masculinity and patriarchy. It’s an important and exciting issue to get them thinking about.

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Well, I can't say I'm surprised, but I am disappointed...in your lack of legwork. You didn't watch the whole thing. Those clips were taken out of context. When he called himself "the catch" he was saying that in jest. He wasn't serious. He spoke of her in the highest regard, he clearly loves her, he just doesn't worship her, maybe she doesn't want that from her husband.

Simone has also said that he didn't know who she was when they met.

In the interview, he goes on to say that her journey with mental health inspired him to go on one of his own, which helped him get better at football. "Accepting his wife's influence" and all that.

I get the point you're trying to make, every wonder woman needs a Steve Trevor, but that doesn't really apply to Jonathan and Simone.

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Love this take

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