How often do men cry? How often do they speak about their life issues and concerns? Are you more likely to see a man show true vulnerability, a soft side, or are you more likely to see him lose his composure and get angry?
This is what’s referred to as repression until aggression. As women, we cry to our girlfriends, we talk about our feelings, and we sometimes have a designated outing just to eat ice cream or any fast food of our choice, and let ourselves breathe. On the other hand, men and their friends would rather Lounge around and watch a match or maybe share jokes but not feelings.
So where do they let it out? Well, no surprise to us ladies, they let it out with the women around them. A mom, a sister, a girlfriend, a female friend, etc. Why do you think a man in a relationship may sometimes be more calm and less uptight? It’s because there is a woman who’d hold him through it.
You know what they say, “Behind every successful man, is a woman.”
Statistically, women live longer than men, some say that the reason behind this is that men pay less attention to their health and more attention to the thrill of reckless activities, but what if it isn’t as simple as that they enjoy instant gratification but that they have a subconscious need to do these activities as a way to let go. When life gets complicated, women take the time to deal with and release to heal. Men would rather go on a reckless adventure to forget about it. At the end of the day, which man will seem more “macho” with his friends? The man who takes a break from society to cry over his ex-girlfriend or the one who “enjoyed his freedom as a single man”
We asked a few women what they thought of men who expressed their emotions. Malak, 29, views it as a sign of strength. “I think vulnerability in general is strength. In our society, we have this taboo, against men crying or expressing their emotions, but that only serves to make them bottle up their emotions. And then it shows up in other ways, through anger or frustration, which isn’t good for anyone.”
“Expressing your emotions is manly” Habiba, 23, tells us. “I believe it takes an unbelievable amount of bravery to show up as yourself and to admit your weaknesses. It’s not easy, especially as a man, and it makes me feel safer to be around men who are comfortable expressing themselves so liberally.”
“I actually find it quite attractive when men are expressive.” Salma, 32, admits, “It makes it easier to connect with the person you’re with. If we’re able to openly communicate with one another, if he takes refuge in me, I find it beautiful.”
Although, some women would still rather their partners not show weakness. Menna, 23, believes it’s not what you expect from a man. “It feels like they’re not as tough as I’d want them to be.” Most women, especially the younger ones, seem to find emotional expression as a sign of emotional strength and self awareness.
It’s 2024 and as a society, we are becoming more open-minded and accepting of new things, it’s time to view both genders as simple human beings. Let us embrace a broken heart regardless of gender, let us support dreams regardless of whether or not they fit the gender role, so they can become their true self. Why should we live in a world where people’s lives are set from the moment they’re born? The world is full of possibilities, memories, success stories, ups, and downs, victories, confusions, joy, stress, and everything in between, and just like our heartbeats, ups and downs are part of the beautiful journey for men just as much as women.
So guys, listen up! It’s okay to show your sensitive side. Share your feelings with the woman you care about, speak up if your buddy’s actions bother you, and don’t be afraid to get enthusiastic about the little things in life. It’s perfectly fine to shed a tear of happiness or to let it out when you’re feeling down. Don’t let society’s expectations hold you back from being authentic and expressing yourself. Embrace your true self and strive to be the best man you can be.
