What we can feel

It’s a painful conversation. And I often do not have the patience when the dialogue gets to this point. However, my empathy has expanded significantly as I’ve been eager to understand this interesting dynamic when men are asked about their emotional experiences.

There are two main emotions that men seemingly feel most of the time, anger and apathy. It commonly frustrates men when they try to emotionally connect with a male only to be met with hostility or indifference. It drives many to believe that men are simple, ignorant creatures who have no feelings or emotional intelligence. But is that really true? Do we really only feel anger or apathy? I find this hard to swallow. And that’s because it isn’t true.

Looking back at history of what we understand to be traditional masculinity and the what is acceptable for men to relate to one another. In the 19th century, men in America had much more affection and care with other men. This is not gay men expressing themselves but the brotherhood and friendship held. So I say people need to get it out of there ignorant little profiling minds and accept that this is not gay but this is normal, this is how it should be. men should not be fearful that others will quickly judge and stereotype them as heterosexuals just because they have an emotional connection with a close male friend.

sources: https://www.mensline.org.au/emotions-and-mental-wellbeing/men-and-emotions 

Ted Talk: Tony Porter: A call to men

 http://www.uncommon-knowledge.co.uk/psychology_articles/men-women-emotions.html