people always say that, but it doesn't hold water if we're honest.

Why?

Because when a 140lb MAN picks shit with a guy twice his size, to the point of putting hands on him, no one says, "oh you can't him that guy back, he's too small." Everyone says, "fuck was that little guy thinking? He's about to fuck around and find out. Gonna get what he's asking for!"

So... NO. Is not about size disparity. Its 100% about gendered social norms about when hitting is a "big deal" and when its apparently not.