Somewhere along the line, a group of writers thought that it would be funny to have a sitcom episode revolve around how men apparently have a total lack of feelings. They don’t want to discuss feelings with other men and they certainly don’t wish to discuss them with their wives. Of course it would be excessively overblown and contrasted with how women are equally overemotional all of the time.
Over the years, many a TV episode has included this subject. While it makes for entertaining television, it certainly isn’t the cold, hard truth. Not all men are stoic, unfeeling boors. Likewise, not all women are melt-into-a-puddle-of-tears-at-the-drop-of-a-hat sad sacks either. Men do tend to be more logical than women. Women tend to be more emotional than men.
Today, we’ll talk about the men. Why? Because I’m a man. As such, I relate to men. I could try to write an article about women but I haven’t cracked that code yet.
Let me dispel the myth that men do not have feelings. Observe a group of men watching a sporting event. In the span of a few hours you’ll see:
- Excitement (feeling)
- Anger (feeling)
- Elation (feeling)
- Rage (big feeling)
- Frustration (feeling)
- Empathy (feeling)
- Joy (feeling)
- Weeping and gnashing of teeth (brought on by feelings)
In a nutshell, men have feelings.
Akin to everything in our reality, there are opposite extremes on both ends of the spectrum. On the one end, some men stuff their feelings and appear to be stoic, unfeeling boors. On the other, some men are melt-into-a-puddle-of-tears-at-the-drop-of-a-hat sad sacks. In my opinion both positions are weak.
One needs to let go while the other needs to get a grip.
Being a belching, scratching, grunting, wind-breaking carnivore doesn’t make one more of a man. Likewise, being a sensitive, caring baker with an eye for fashion doesn’t make one less of a man. A real man is balanced. A real man knows when to fight, be aggressive and courageous. He also knows when to be caring, thoughtful and use a gentle touch.
The only thing that can negate your Man Card is a “man bun”.
(Photo by: Jakob Owens on Unsplash)
