Don’t Be a Mansplainer: We Know What a First Down Is
Let’s talk about mansplaining—that charming little habit some men have of explaining something to a woman in a condescending, often unnecessary, and usually unsolicited way. And let’s be very clear: this isn’t about bashing men. It’s about holding a mirror up to the exhausting, insulting, and frankly laughable phenomenon of men assuming we, as women, know less... about everything.
This post was inspired by a few recent interactions that had me shaking my head and also laughing out loud (because sometimes if you don’t laugh, you’ll scream).
A few weeks ago, I went to trivia with some friends. One of the girls brought a guy she was seeing. And wow—he came in hot with the full mansplaining package. Sports, movies, music, historical facts, how trivia actually works—you name it, he explained it. Every question came with a side of “let me break it down for you ladies,” even if we answered it correctly first. I mean, I'm surprised he didn’t try to mansplain what a trivia question is.
Then just a few nights ago, I was at Eric’s softball game when one of my girlfriends—who was literally playing first base—came up to vent. A guy on the opposing team tried to explain how to play her own position to her. As if she hasn’t been playing the sport her entire life. As if she hadn’t been crushing it all game. The audacity.
After these incidents, I put a question box on Instagram and asked the women in my life to share their best (read: most infuriating) mansplaining moments. And let me tell you... the stories ROLLED in. Here's just a taste:
A man mansplained how to mop a floor to someone who cleans homes professionally.
Another told a certified trainer how to properly lift weights.
One guy even mansplained how he wasn’t mansplaining—which might be the most meta and ridiculous example of all.
A woman in med school shared how a man told her getting your cervix clamped doesn’t hurt. (SIR? Have you had your cervix clamped?)
Several women said men tried to explain maternity leave laws to them.
Another was told she doesn’t have an eating disorder—by a man who is not her doctor, therapist, or even remotely educated on the topic.
And don’t get me started on finance bros trying to “educate” women about budgeting and investing like we haven’t been running entire households and businesses.
One friend even had her driving skills explained to her in detail—despite being a better driver and the one behind the wheel at the time.
It’s not that women don’t want to learn. We love learning. We love growing. We love conversations that are respectful, mutual, and insightful. But that’s not what mansplaining is. Mansplaining assumes we don’t know. It starts from a place of superiority and lands in a puddle of embarrassment (for the man, not us).
And personally? Don’t try to explain football to me. Yes, I know what a first down is. I understand the rules. I’ve watched the game, yelled at the TV, and screamed for a 4th quarter Hail Mary just like you have. Maybe even louder.
I’ve also had my own job explained to me—by someone who was less qualified, less experienced, and somehow still thought his words carried more weight than mine. And I know I’m not alone in that.
Here’s the thing: mansplaining is not cute. It’s a turn-off. If you’re a man reading this, and you’re wondering if you’ve ever mansplained... you probably have. And that’s okay—if you’re willing to do better.
So no, this isn’t a men-bashing post. It’s a mansplaining-bashing post. There’s a difference. We’re not mad at men. We’re mad at the assumption that women are in need of constant correction, guidance, and unsolicited lessons. We’re tired of being underestimated, interrupted, and over-explained.
Bottom line: we know things. We’ve lived things. We’ve studied, practiced, failed, tried again, and earned our expertise. So please—next time you're tempted to explain something, maybe first ask if we actually need an explanation.
Because odds are...
we already know.
Have a mansplaining story of your own? Drop it in the comments—I’ll be over here rolling my eyes and pouring a glass of wine.
