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In another instance, Anna's encounter with a friend's cat revealed how joking about relationships can sometimes mask underlying anxieties. The friend's remark about buying a wedding dress because her cat "never likes anyone" made Anna realize that humorous stereotypes and exaggerated fears about social rejection or unreciprocated affection are often shared across genders. What might seem like playful teasing from men can originate from genuine concern or insecurity, and experiencing it firsthand fosters empathy.