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A review by natlbugz
Why Men Marry Bitches by Sherry Argov
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
3.0
TLDR: This was a fun, cheeky read that might give you a few gems to take away, but it’s definitely stuck in the past in many ways. If you’re looking for some light advice, go for it, but read it with a critical eye. Really hoping for a modernized version one day.
Part empowering, part outdated, and part “huh?” Why Men Marry Bitches has some timeless advice, but also a lot that feels like it’s been left behind in the pre-dating app era. A 2024 updated version would really hit differently—maybe sprinkle in some swipes and modern relationship dynamics? Because some of this advice… big yikes.
Let’s start with the good stuff. The book is at its best when it focuses on confidence, boundaries, and self-worth. Quotes like, “What’s the advantage of having this guy around? How do I feel about myself after I’ve been in his company? What’s in it for me?” really hit home. It’s all about asking the tough questions and not settling for anything less than what you deserve. I also loved this: "A bitch has strength of conviction. As painful as it is, as afraid as she might feel—she will leave if she doesn’t get what she wants. And guess what? That’s precisely why she gets what she wants." That’s solid advice, and I’ll take it with me. Boundaries? We love to see it.
But then there are the… other parts. The book leans heavilyon appearances and sex appeal, with an obsession over what the woman is wearing and how “hot” she comes across. It’s giving bird brain, honestly. Not to mention, some of it felt straight-up anti-feminist and borderline masochistic. The idea that you have to play these rigid roles to "catch" a man? Hard pass. Women have come a long way, and this just doesn’t align with modern values.
That said, it’s not all bad. There’s something in here about standing firm in what you want and not bending over backward for someone who doesn’t deserve it, and I can always get behind that message. Relationships should feel like a negotiation where you’re willing to walk if it’s not working—“When one person is willing to walk off the showroom floor, the other person has to come up with a better offer.” Solid metaphor, even if the delivery is a bit dated.
Part empowering, part outdated, and part “huh?” Why Men Marry Bitches has some timeless advice, but also a lot that feels like it’s been left behind in the pre-dating app era. A 2024 updated version would really hit differently—maybe sprinkle in some swipes and modern relationship dynamics? Because some of this advice… big yikes.
Let’s start with the good stuff. The book is at its best when it focuses on confidence, boundaries, and self-worth. Quotes like, “What’s the advantage of having this guy around? How do I feel about myself after I’ve been in his company? What’s in it for me?” really hit home. It’s all about asking the tough questions and not settling for anything less than what you deserve. I also loved this: "A bitch has strength of conviction. As painful as it is, as afraid as she might feel—she will leave if she doesn’t get what she wants. And guess what? That’s precisely why she gets what she wants." That’s solid advice, and I’ll take it with me. Boundaries? We love to see it.
But then there are the… other parts. The book leans heavilyon appearances and sex appeal, with an obsession over what the woman is wearing and how “hot” she comes across. It’s giving bird brain, honestly. Not to mention, some of it felt straight-up anti-feminist and borderline masochistic. The idea that you have to play these rigid roles to "catch" a man? Hard pass. Women have come a long way, and this just doesn’t align with modern values.
That said, it’s not all bad. There’s something in here about standing firm in what you want and not bending over backward for someone who doesn’t deserve it, and I can always get behind that message. Relationships should feel like a negotiation where you’re willing to walk if it’s not working—“When one person is willing to walk off the showroom floor, the other person has to come up with a better offer.” Solid metaphor, even if the delivery is a bit dated.