Why is it a social requirement for boys to act like masculine all the time?

[Kayla45]

Just wondering, it's fine but sometimes I like to see boys with a bit of a softer side too.

[MasseurDeMojo]

By today's standards, you are seen as week to show some femininity. Technically, it is not about being feminine as a man. Many years ago, men were always very masculine because they had to lead; they were the one who brought home the food, and the things needed for the family; they were also the builders, the one who did the most dangerous work.

Women back then were not seen as the weaker sex; it was more about protecting women, because without them, we could not carry on. Without women, there would be no more children. So, men made sure to keep them from doing the really hard and dangerous work.

This is of a truth. No woman was considered weak at any point in ancient history; there were men who feared them, because of their cunning, and abilities with weapons. When they had to defend their families because the husband was either away or dead, the men who came against them regretted it. They would rather fight another man than an enraged woman! She will protect her family!!

Men before would visibly cry, and be emotional; they were very stable, and considered stronger, and more capable. They were willing to help their wives with chores when they were overwhelmed. It was about the partnership working together, but with the man as the leader. Just like in the military, you can have two people of the same rank working together, but only one can be the leader who is overall responsible; so the other will submit to them, but still be counted as an equal, so if one has to go away, the other now is the leader till they return.

The bottom line: A masculine man is a stable, well-rounded man who is able to deal with his emotions in a very relaxed way; and is not afraid to say when they were wrong, and work towards doing better. They also feed off the inputs given by their spouse as she is their rock, counselor, and guide. So, every decision can be made with full clarity.

Every woman gravitates to a masculine man. They feel protected, and nourished by a masculine man. He is not violent, he is level-headed and sure!!

[NathanDavis]

personally... I've never really felt pressured to anything, I am just the man I am

and very rarely or never have cared about what others think about it... and not like many have questioned my "masculinity" either, lol

[Chickenp0tpiez]

Misogyny. Most men see women as weaker, thus they see femininity as weak. If a man is feminine he’s considered “weak” and “too soft” because being feminine is looked down upon. There are even women who do this. They suppress any femininity because they don’t want to be seen as inferior. Masculinity is seen as strong and powerful, the opposite, femininity is seen as gentle and weak.

[VictorMachiavelli]

It has nothing to do with misogyny. Only men are looked down on for being feminine, whereas feminine women are more attractive.

We could flip this around and point at people who mock women who have masculine features or act in a masculine way, and say that this comes from misandry, but that wouldn’t be true either because only women will be mocked for those things.

[Lisia]

I like soft boys ☺️ they're cute. I tbh think just some people expect men to act masculine but not that it's a social requirement.. not anymore at least.

[Anonymous]

This has nothing to do w misogyny. Women throw that word around in regards to everything they don’t like about men. I think for one testosterone has a big part to do w it. You should know from basic education how that hormone affects men. Two, a lot of women don’t want feminine men. Some say they do like yourself but when he starts actually talking about his feelings, things you don’t like that you disagree w then women look at him as just a bitch, a whiner, a complainer. Men do a lot of things we don’t want to w out complaining, but imagine if we did all complain about every little feeling we felt. I mean honestly if you heard someone downstairs in your house in the middle of the night, would you want a masculine, strong man to check it out or some feminine dude who you could beat up yourself. What about when it comes to decision making, especially in serious situations like a home invasion. Wouldn’t you want to know that you could look at him for protection, to make a decision on what to do? Or would you rather be the one he looks to as far as what to do? You want a leader. In a relationship someone had to lead. Usually it’s the man. But because of misogyny, but a lot of women don’t want that responsibility. They want to be protected, taken care of physically as well as financially. If a a bad situation arises, you look to him but then you notice he’s crying, freaking out. Then what? You think king I’m supposed to look to this dude for protection? Some women have even dumped a man for crying in front of them or getting knocked out in a fight because they didn’t see him the same way. Now if you had a 1,000 men invading your village, you had to send a 1,000 men to respond. Your family was in danger. Would you rather send the men who were built tough as nails, the baddest dudes you could find who would bite the head off a snake or a bunch of feminine men?

[ohsheeT]

I think it's in who you are as an individual.

I mean on myself all the time I do not like to show that rough side or be that rough person

I mean if somebody brings that out of me by doing something stupid I would probably raise my voice a little bit and say hey what the f***.

I would still be calm and respectful until they push the boundary and then I would step into myself.

I personally do not like guys that have to be on all the time and they can't or won't just be themselves

Like they say this is true the loudest one in the room is the scariest one in the room and that is for sure

[CalmUntilAbused]

Simple enough, it's ingrained in our minds for generations that it's our duty to protect women and each other (basically civilization itself), sometimes against an overwhelming threat. In order to fulfill this goal, we have to become strong and adopt a cold, calculating attitude. Even though we do possess human emotions, showing them in a fight is tantamount to surrender, as it basically shows that we're running out of options, which motivates our opponents and demotivates our allies. At this point in history, it more of an instinct than a conscious effort. On the other hand, women are inclined to search for strong and confident men, for the same reasons men have become like this. Thus, weak and shy men are at a disadvantage when searching for a life partner. That's why even these men act tough as much as possible, as they feel that any display of emotions will cost them their social status and/or relationship (and they are mostly right).

[patrick994]

This is unfortunately due to toxic masculinity, the child of patriarchy, masculinity and femininity are just social constructs, society has always taught us that men are strong, that they must never cry, women that they must always be perfect, never out of place and always fine, unfortunately much of our being is influenced by the cultural context in which we live, this is not right, there is no such thing as feminine or masculine behaviour, there is the person regardless of gender.

I get so annoyed by certain speeches, saying, women must behave in a certain way, men must be like this, etc., I do not take into account the uniqueness of the person, the individuality that distinguishes us from others

[mandyfire98]

That would be an example of toxic masculinity.

A man shows emotion and then another guy says he's weak or feminine or gay. Instead of just saying "oh you're a human being, we all have emotions."

Basically men aren't allowed to because other men will look down on them for it and accuse them of being feminine.

[Babygirl_S]

Me too! I like when a masculine man can be soft and expressive. I don't think men should conceal their emotions and never cry.

[Kayla45]

Exactly! 💯

[Friendlybro79]

This isn't a requirement and specifically who's in charge of the alleged society driving these rules? Plenty of guys have a soft side and no one is telling them they're required to change how they behave or face some socially driven punishment by a made up thing in your head.

[KrakenAttackin]

You THINK you want to see a soft side of guys, but that makes you instantly lose any attraction for them.

Men have to be hard because the weight of society is on our shoulders, this is why soft men are ridiculed and denied attention by women.

[BLP11520]

Well compared to my youth life is very soft. We had homework and chores then you could have fun or watch TV, We were very active and were outside unless the weather was bad. Tough boys? Now? Not nearly as many as when I grew up. If you were soft back then you got called a sissy or the F word, ( the other F word.)

[ChicoFromThe305]

Acting? That's an L, masculine men don't act, they just are and secure masculinity normally has a softer side, if they don't show it then they are putting up a act or they are rotten inside

[MittParekh15]

In general cases guys have more responsibility and power

Which they like to showcase to society for various reasons like showoff etc.

[TheSpaceGnome]

It's not, you might see that sort of social pressure on television shows or movies, but in real life pretty much no one cares about this.

[Forceinhand]

It's not a 'requirement', it's natural and necessary. And embracing masculinity does not negate a softer side.

[syncheart]

I think some of it is design. The hormone Testosterone is more aggressive.

[RedInnocent68]

I get it. But it’s like us asking why you can’t toughen up and be less emotional all the time.

[Anonymous]

For the same reason it's a requirement for women to act feminine. Gender roles exist. Even in this new woke millenium.

[Kayla45]

Oh I get it, but acting masculine 100% of the time though? Like sometimes I think it's downright adorable when guys can show their loving and caring sides too.

[Opinion Owner]

I don't think guys always show there masculine sides. And some guys it's ingrained in them. I guess we'd have to be specific about what we're talking about. I'm pretty mellow. But I'm not going to tolerate obvious disrespect. I don't think that's acting masculine. I think that's just standing up for yourself.

[Anonymous]

Because women don't have sex with guys who have a softer side unless they are a billionaire.

[slatyb]

Where? Not in my society.

[Still-alive]

Because acting any other way is gheyyy!

[Kayla45]

Only if you have a stubborn mindset I suppose, by the way I'm not saying don't be masculine, just wondering why do it all the time is all.

[Still-alive]

i was being facetious. this is seriously what most dudes fear. they don't wanna seem gay or feminine in anyway.

I personally don't give a shit though. im just me.

[Imaguyandagirl]

No we just act like that

[MaxUsefull]

So…you like soy boys

[jahaims]

It's not

[FenixG45]

Choose wisely!

[Kingofkings1992]

It’s not.