Throughout most of history, young women were under the close supervision of their fathers (and other family members), and - on a wider scope - the small, close-knit community in which 95% of mankind lived likewise ensured conformity to established societal rules and religious strictures, including on chastity and such.
And by their early 20s, they weren't, strictly speaking, "young women" anymore. Rather, they were "heavy with child" much of the time - and when not, then they were caring for their brood. Not the likeliest targets for sexual harassment.
The men in the chiefly small communities that have dominated throughout 95% of recorded history knew their place, knew that their actions were being scrutinized, and acted accordingly.
(Of course, there were occasionally breaches of etiquette, societal ruptures, revolutions, and the like - but to be able to gain conversational traction, we are focussing on the norm here.)
The situation you are describing is a relatively recent one, and was not in effect throughout most of history.
Even my very demur and conservative wife has reported attending, e.g., a small social gathering held by her painting club, where one of the ladies' husbands suggested that they adopt a first-name basis, which here in Germany demands a little ceremonial drinking, after which the participants exchange cheek kisses - but where this 85-year-old man unexpectedly went in for the kill and planted a kiss on her mouth.
Yes, that's part of human nature - and *ssholes and such continue to exist.
But the women you are describing - the "young women," even when they aren't "supermodels," who must "constantly turn men down." 1) Is that so bad? Freq. having to "turn men down?" and 2) Might not their overall appearance, eye-contact, grooming, cosmetics, and behavior (incl. tattoos, nose-piercings...) have contributed to this?
I aver that the situation you describe is, historically speaking, an outlier, and not worthy of further consideration.
If we could return to traditional values and ways of life (hopeless, I know!), a lot of the problems we are discussing here would vanish.
Regards,
My point is that most young women have a large selection of men to choose from, so they have to turn many men down. I'm not claiming it's bad or good. It's just reality. Many young men are not successful in the dating market because they have so much competition.
Many women will turn down a man politely, but, if a woman turns him down rudely, then she did him a favor because she showed him her true colors.
I understand dating life is difficult, and I know that a large number of young men do not date at all.
- "Might not their overall appearance, eye-contact, grooming, cosmetics, and behavior (incl. tattoos, nose-piercings...) have contributed to this?" -
She only has to be young and alone.
- "If we could return to traditional values and ways of life (hopeless, I know!), a lot of the problems we are discussing here would vanish." -
We agree on that point!