Be A Man - Emotionally

Healthy Living
Be A Man - Emotionally
Men’s Health

Often it is said that men keep a lid on their emotions. But is it really true? Yes and no. The answer depends on social conditioning, as certain emotions are deemed fit for the “stronger” sex, and some for the “weaker” sex.

In psychology, emotions are defined as the language of a person’s mental state of being, normally based on the person’s internal (physical) and external (social) sensory feelings. Love, hate, courage, fear, joy, sadness, anger, pleasure and disgust are all emotions.

Researchers have proven that the biological differences between men and women do not make men less sensitive, or less inclined to show their emotions. It is the social experiences men encounter from childhood that inhibit certain emotional expressions. When you grow up hearing, “big boys don’t cry” and, “men that show emotion are weak”, as a man you are conditioned to not to show emotions that are not “masculine”.

So, while showing anger is considered ok for men, crying is not. The idea of a man crying is generally considered repulsive by both men and women. Research shows that men are more disposed to express emotions that demonstrate power or control, such as pride and anger.

The expression of rage is seen not only as a masculine trait, but in some situations it is even encouraged and admired. On the other hand, from early childhood most boys are not encouraged to play games which are considered “girly”. They are often told to not to cry like a girl.

Movies and other media also influence these notions. Can you think of a movie where the hero cried? But I bet that you can rattle off title after title of movies in which “angry young men” were the heroes, and where winning physical fights to put things right was a virtue.

The extent to which men feel comfortable in showing their emotions is also partly generational. It is often observed that the more conservative and traditional a man is, the less likely he is to cry and be openly emotional. They are more likely to be stoic and believe that showing emotions is somehow feminine.

To stop letting the emotions harm your health, there is a need to shed these age old myths about showing emotions. The importance of emotional expression for emotional well-being is a proven fact. But while bottling up emotions can lead to physical and emotional health problems, expressing your emotions in a wrong way could be equally harmful.

It is critical that you know how to deal with your emotions. For this you need to understand your emotions better and you need to know when to express and suppress them, and how. Here are some tips for you to enjoy a better emotional health:

• Remember that showing emotions is ok for everyone – even men! Don’t be afraid of showing your true feelings.

• Express your emotions, including that of anger, jealousy, pride, sorrow, helplessness or loss etc., effectively .

• Be honest with your emotions. Don’t put on an act, and play down your true feelings.

• Real men do cry.

• Managing anger is a great quality – for men too.

• The biological make-up of men does not make them less sensitive, or less inclined to show their emotions.

• Men’s biological make-up does not make them more inclined to showing anger or pride.