Sharing Feelings is a Masculine Strength. It is about breaking down the stigma. Since civilization broke out and societies were established, men have been conditioned to suppress their emotions. The stereotype of the stoic, emotionless male has been deeply rooted in our society. This old fashioned notion has not only proven to be harmful to men’s mental health. It has also shown us how detrimental it is to men’s relationships and overall well-being.
Society is best at developing harmful norms and expectations, without batting an eye. The good thing about society is that we are society and we have the power to change that. It only starts with one idea and a brave person. And when I tell you no one is braver than a man who can stand up and communicate his own feelings. And I will explain below why…
Sharing your feelings can improve your mental health
Suppressing emotions often leads to stress, anxiety, and depression. Expressing feelings can help alleviate these negative emotions. It is like taking the load off your shoulders and freeing yourselves from some of the weight brought about by your inner thoughts and feelings.
Another thing about sharing your feelings is that it strengthens relationships.
Open communication is essential for building strong and lasting relationships. It has always been said time and again, communication is the key to relationships. It’s not only about communicating, but being genuine about how you feel all the time. Sharing feelings fosters intimacy and trust. It draws those who care about you even closer. Those who know how to talk about their feelings develop self-awareness with time. Understanding and acknowledging one’s emotions can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth. Through communicating with others you get to learn about yourself as well. You can be faced by tough questions that only lead to discovering layers of yourself that were waiting for you to encounter.
How do you start sharing your feelings?
Firstly you have to find a safe space or identify someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, or therapist. It has to be someone who will not judge you but someone with genuine morals. You do not have to start with the big deep issues, if you are not comfortable yet. Start small. Begin by expressing your feelings about simple things, like a favourite movie or a recent event. How you feel about talking to them, or something that makes you uncomfortable.
Practising self-compassion goes a long way as well.
Be kind to yourself as you learn to express your emotions. Do not beat yourself too hard for oversharing. Always look for the lighter side of things. It is important to challenge the societal expectations that men should be tough and emotionless. By breaking down these stereotypes, we can create a more supportive and accepting environment for all.
Remember, sharing your feelings is a sign of strength and bravery, not weakness. It is the psychological version of facing your demons if I must emphasise. And it only takes brave strong men to go out there and fight with demons. It’s a healthy and essential part of being human.