I cannot speak for all women, only for myself and my experiences.
When I meet men, the initial interaction usually goes well. I have always been a bubbly, outgoing person, and conversation tends to come naturally. They ask what I do for a living, and when I tell them, everything seems fine. Then they ask what I do outside of work, and I mention that I run a nonprofit that serves at-risk youth. They usually seem impressed and interested.
The shift often comes when they ask about my education or some of the things I have accomplished. It is difficult to explain, but sometimes you can almost see the light go out in their eyes. I used to assume I was imagining it or that I was somehow doing something wrong.
One experience really stood out to me. A friend was with me when a man approached me, asked for my number, and even walked me to my car. When he saw my car and noticed my alumni tag, his entire demeanor changed. He immediately started putting himself down and comparing himself to me. My friend witnessed the whole thing and later pointed out what had happened.
Because of experiences like that, I have tried avoiding certain topics, but I am not sure how you genuinely get to know someone without discussing basic parts of your life. At some point, people naturally ask about your work, interests, education, and what you have been doing for the past twenty years.
One man whom I considered very successful and confident, with a high-paying career, once asked me, "Why would you want to be with an old, broken-down person like me?" I was genuinely shocked by the question because that is not how I viewed him at all.
I have always considered myself a humble person. I was raised in a Christian home where humility was valued, and if pride ever started creeping in, your family quickly helped you find your footing again. I do not go around bragging about my accomplishments, and I have never chosen people based on looks, status, or money. Those things can disappear in an instant. What matters to me is character, faith, kindness, integrity, and how a person treats others.
That is why I find these reactions confusing. I am not looking down on anyone, yet some men seem to assume that I am judging them before I have even formed an opinion. I do not fully understand why, but it has been a recurring experience in my life.