From Harper’s Bazaar: Men Have No Friends and Women Bear the Burden
This article was recommended by a member of our community and discusses the damaging notion that men aren’t allowed to talk about their feelings with other men. In fact, men are often taught that the only person they can discuss their feelings with are their romantic partner. This often leads to their romantic partner feeling completely exhausted, and if that emotional partner goes away, it leaves the woman feeling like she doesn’t have a purpose anymore.
Resonating with you? Be sure to read the rest of the article as it dives into this “emotional golddigging” and how one can start making their partner accountable for their own feelings. It also dives into Brene Brown’s research on shame, and how shame is the number one reason for toxic masculinity.
I promise, this article isn’t about the plights of men, and does not engage in gender bashing, rather it is an exploration of the different gender dynamics in our culture and how they are harming one another. It is only through honest dialogues, like the one explored in this article, that we can all learn to support each other, across gender lines.
“Across the spectrum, women seem to be complaining about the same thing: While they read countless self-help books, listen to podcasts, seek out career advisors, turn to female friends for advice and support, or spend a small fortune on therapists to deal with old wounds and current problems, the men in their lives simply rely on them”