Search Results: being honest in a relationship

I kinda wanna talk about this issue because how men react to emotion is alarming. Put aside what your dads and your moms told you, men, "men don't cry", "act like a man", "you're being a ____"--

I want to know do all men actually feel like you can't express yourself to anyone? Leave the 'no homo' thing behind, leave the pride behind and actually say this. I've allowed the anon button for you who want to express yourself on this situation.

If you don't know what toxic masculinity is, it's you telling a man/boy/kid to not cry bc men "don't cry", they "don't share" or "show emotion" or they're "weak". I'm gonna be honest but that really bothers us women (leaving the closure and the relationships to the side) because we want to know, if you're a friend or a stranger that you're ok. The rates for suicide for men are so high and it's because they're taught to suppress their feelings and usually that creates a problem in a relationship for someone whether they're from the lgbtq community or in a straight relationship. Abuse sometimes happens because they're taught to suppress feelings. So I want to know. What do YOU think about toxic masculinity? Remember this is anon so technically (hopefully) you feel you're safe here (:

Men: True or false: You want the truth, whether it's good, bad, or ugly?

Ladies: 1. Do you want the same? (that's complicated, I know.)
But here's my real question to you, ladies... Do you/will you give the guys this, since that's what they say they want? Or do you believe it's not a good idea?

Now, on the surface, I presume that just about all of you would answer, essentially, 'yes, truth is necessity in good relationships.' But what about raw, unfiltered, sometimes emotionally-heavy, unclear truths? The ones that feel true in that moment, but may or may not change?

Take a look at this beautiful exchange between a couple. I really like both people.

Woman asks man: "What kinds of things make you feel wanted and special?"

Man's answer: "The simple fact that I can be direct, I can be completely honest, you're going to tell me the truth, whether it's good, bad, or ugly. And the fact that we mesh really well, we discuss all the things upfront that I think we really need to discuss up front. Which is, I think, everybody's end goal, to have somebody that you can be a better you for yourself. You make me a better me. That's all it is. The sky's the limit, as long as you're with me."

You see how the man's wording is a bit harsher than what a woman would likely choose? But he said it in a loving tone. There was no aggression behind it at all. But the sentiment is one that I've heard many males utter, especially when angry, or in times of conflict.

As a side note, I also like that the woman asked him what he needs, what he wants, in a relationship (basically what she can do for him) and he answered her question, but in a slightly different way. He's not looking for gestures or gifts, etc. To him, the gift is her honesty and him being able to discuss the hard subjects with her, without her avoiding or shutting down.
That is really the subtext of this text.

Thoughts?