I left college pretty well convinced that most men were toxic and dangerous to women. The non toxic men were understanding, helpful and supported women. I went to work in a pretty much all male engineering department. My supervisor, a man, told me that my degree wasn't paying off for them, and I was let go. I sued for discrimination.
Nothing came of it, it took a lot for me to accept my degree wasn't good enough.
I took a job for another company, in a support position. My boss, an older lady, told me that the degree I had was in name only. I should go back to a real school and apply myself. The company had a degree support program. I went back to school.
I got to know some of the men there, like my father. Understanding, but not supportive of my ideas. A case of maturity, or lack thereof. Grow up, and I would see it there way.
one day, I was in a meeting, and I thought to myself that these men were all married. Successful. And for me, helpful. Wanting me to succeed, get a real degree. They weren't toxic, they were masculine, even the younger guys. Like maybe the type of man I would want to marry.
