Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte (2024)

This is a collection of short stories:

REJECTION. A young man narrates his efforts to be a modern, sensitive man, aware of microaggressions, respectful of women, and supportive of feminist ideals. Despite his best intentions, he finds that women reject him, preferring more traditional “frat bro” types. Frustrated, he becomes obsessed with online porn and eventually sleeps with a woman from his past, whom he once rejected for reasons similar to those used against him. She leaves him after realising she isn’t enough for the idealised version of himself he seeks. Isolated, angry, and unable to connect with women, he ends up as a lonely incel. This story satirises how some left-wing Gen X men go to extreme lengths to be feminist allies, only to discover that their approach often feels insincere and unattractive.

PICS. Alison has long been attracted to her friend Neil. One evening, after a relaxed night together, they sleep together, and for Alison, it’s a revelation. Neil, however, views it as a casual one-night stand, not wanting it to affect their friendship. When Neil begins dating Cece, a petite, cute Asian woman, Alison feels betrayed, seeing Cece as a sexualised anime stereotype. As Neil’s friends warmly accept Cece, Alison’s envy grows, and she alienates her own support group. Eventually, her friends abandon her, and Alison is left alone, but still invited to Neil and Cece’s wedding.