When it comes to showing emotions, we all know men aren't cut out for such, and when you observe most men around the world, you'll be amazed to see the things they go through and yet don't show their emotions like the women do. Not showing emotions by men has been seen as not too great, and we've come to see men being encouraged to feel free to be vulnerable, show their emotions, and pour out their hearts when faced with life challenges. Do I personally think it's ideal for men to not show emotions? Do I think they should show it more? Or do they think they should cut themselves some slack and cry when they're in any form of despair?
To start with, we all know one of the reasons why men are respected and looked up to is because they're bold, fearless, and have the ability to summon courage not to be emotional during tough times, because doing that gives others around them a shoulder to lean on. It's not like men don't care or don't have emotions; it's just that the way they're built, they don't want to feel vulnerable in the face of the world, and they don't want to look weak. Men are seen as the strongest gender, so showing emotions would most likely make them look like the opposite of what they're known for.
Do I think men should let out their emotions more when faced with life challenges than they currently do? I think yes, they should. I'm a man myself, and I know what it feels like to be eaten up by emotions I can't let out. I remember a few weeks ago when I received disturbing news about my most recent investment worth millions going down the drain. I was so sad that it felt like the end of the world. Despite how terrible I felt, I couldn't tell my wife about it. It was so disturbing that I found it difficult to sleep, and when I would finally sleep off, it was on the tiles. She noticed and woke me up to come to the bed. Still, I couldn't share the news until I've outgrown the pain I felt initially.
The thing I've come to realize is that the majority of those who want men to show more emotions and feelings and be free to show vulnerability when faced with difficulties are women. But you'll be surprised to know that the majority of the women who clamor for this are also in search of strong men who they can lean on, men who are capable of fending for them and standing by them regardless of what life throws at them. So it seems contradictory when you want a man to be strong and at the same time show vulnerability. I know they're somewhat different, but then it's just that you can't eat your cake and still have it.
I'd like to clarify the fact that most people think men don't cry or show emotions. In fact, we actually do; the way and where we show it just differs from how women do. Like I said earlier, men don't like to be seen as vulnerable in public; that doesn't mean they don't show it when they're alone in their safe space. What I'd just encourage is for men to find someone they can be free with, to the point where they can show any emotions without being judged or tasked as weak; most men avoid being vulnerable. In the presence of others because of how they'll be misinterpreted.
All photos are taken and edited on canva.