from my personal experience

Yes, exactly.

I'm telling you as a matter of fact that I know people who felt awkward saying "woman" because of the age factor.

These guys aren't incels by any means, they're just awkward and naive.

For what it's worth I did tell them that "female" is not a good look, and they should use "women" instead.

The point is not every guy who says "female" is dehumanising them.