because it's a projection. the women who complain about men being like that... are mostly talking about themselves.

i've dated many women who thought that way... and they are talking about themselves. they see the world through an adversarial lens and everything is about them having power over others and being terrified of anyone having power over them.

and if you explain to them you don't want any power over them they simple don't believe you. they think it's a lie or a manipulation tactic.... because that's how they treat everyone, through lies and manipulation. and no matter how honest you are with them... doesn't matter because they don't believe honesty exists.