outdated?

Of all these myths, none is more firmly anchored in masculine hearts than that of the feminine "mystery." It has numerous advantages. And first of all it permits and easy explanation of all that appears inexplicable; to man who "does not understand" a woman is happy to substitude an objective resistance for a subjective deficiency of mind; instead of admitting his ignorance, he perceives the presence of a "mystery" outside himself: an alibi, indeed, that flatters laziness and vanity at once. A heart smitten with love thus avoids many disappointments: if the loved one's behavior is capricious, her remarks stupid, then the mystery serves to excuse all. And finally, thanks again to the mystery, that negative relation is perpetuate which seemed to Kierkegaard infinitely preferable to positive possession; in the compnay of a living enigma man remains alone -- alone with his dreams, his hopes, his fears, his love, his vanity. This subjective game, which can go all the way from vice to mystical ecstacy, is for many a more attractive experience than an authentic relation with a human being. What foundations exist for such a profitable illusion?-----Simone de Beavouir, The Second Sex, p. 289