GROG, I myself have never experienced that. Everyone I have ever spent time with liked the fact that I was independent enough to do "my own thing" and didn't need him to guide or direct me. I used to do a lot of mountaineering and tended to be faster then a lot of our male friends, and they actually were quite impressed. Although I do think I had to prove myself initially as on one of the first days we were set out to climb I could tell they were a bit nervous having a "girl" come along as I would slow them down. Well that didn't happen and actually my climbing partner and i had to wait for them. Well anyway, I think most men would invite an independent women in their lives, and if they don't then I would becareful as you don't want to lose who you truely are.