Wow, do I disagree with almost everything you listed.
Yes, you can do what you want, but a LOT of people feel like they have the right to judge you, and they do. They sure do care, and criticize you for any and all of your choices.
You are expected to deescalate potentially violent disagreements between men by mollifying, soothing, and belittling yourself. You are blamed for your own harm at the hands of men.
Doesn’t matter what you do, your actions are up for scrutiny and public comment. There’s a lot of “damned if you do, damned if you don’t.”