Much like women, men are also burdened with certain stereotypes and societal expectations. And many men figured out from a very young age that the worst thing they could ever be called was "gay."
Some men never get over that, and quickly learn that to fall in line and conform will save them a lot of heartache.
After Redditor aka-mamas asked the online community "Men of Reddit, what do you wish was more socially acceptable for men without being labeled a pussy or called gay?" many men decided to express their frustrations.
"Sometimes..."
Hugs. Sometimes I just want to feel the warm embrace of a friend, ya know? I ain't gay.
"I'm a pretty masculine man..."
Listening to "girly" music.
I'm a pretty masculine man, but the cd in my car with Michelle Branch, Ani DiFranco, and the Indigo Girls beg to differ.
"Not trying to hook up..."
Not trying to hook up with every girl you meet at a bar. My friends that I used to go out to bars with always used to give me crap when I wouldn't go along with what they wanted.
"Taking a personal day..."
Talking about my feelings. Taking a personal day at work when I'm too stressed the hell out and need a day. Being able to hug a friend when I see them. Not the stupid bro hug I have to give, I'm talking a real deal "I love you" hug. I'm only allowed to be pissed off or a tough guy or I'm a pu**y, I'm not allowed to have feelings or "issues." It's old.
"I love whiskey..."
Mixed drinks. I love whisky but I also love a nice Seagram or a black cherry mojito every now and then on a hot summer's evening.
"Apparently to some people..."
Rejecting someone when you're not mentally/emotionally ready for a relationship.
Apparently to some people being mentally/emotionally ready is a sign of weakness.
"Asking for help..."
Asking for help, especially mental health. Mental health issues can occur with everyone, regardless of gender. Many men are discouraged to get helps from doctors or counsellors because of the branding.
I am now non-binary XY leaning towards female, but have some experience of being a boy and a man for 25 years in total.
"I mean you just sit there..."
Not watching sports on TV.
I mean I'll never understand why it is considered masculine to sit on a couch like a hippo with a pizza screaming at the TV and getting upset/happy about seeing your team lose/win.
I mean you just sit there and criticize the people who are playing. I feel really outcasted when people are shocked or judging me when they come to know about my disinterest in watching sports.
"The things you like..."
Liking to knit, sewing/tailoring because it's actually fascinating , bake, wearing unusual clothes, not playing sports, dying your hair, liking certain types of music, etc. The things you like/show interest have absolutely nothing to do with who you're attracted to.
Do you have something to confess to George? Text "Secrets" or "
" to +1 (310) 299-9390 to talk to him about it.
Awkward Pena GIF by Luis Ricardo 
Community Facebook GIF by Social Media Tools 
Angry Good News GIF 
Angry Cry Baby GIF by Maryanne Chisholm - MCArtist 
@adriana.kms/TikTok
@mossmouse/TikTok
@im.key05/TikTok
@biontrtwff101/TikTok
@likebrifr/TikTok
@itsashrashel/TikTok
@ur_not_natalie/TikTok
@rbaileyrobertson/TikTok
@xo.promisenat20/TikTok
@weelittlelandonorris/TikTok
@katiebullit/TikTok
@rube59815/TikTok
u/Fit_Bowl_7313/Reddit
@meteorblades/Bluesky
@bodenkelly/X