What Do We Mean When We Say “Toxic Masculinity?”

What Do We Mean When We Say “Toxic Masculinity?”

Women aren’t the only ones who can and should have a support system. Can anyone else relate to this: What Do We Mean When We Say “Toxic Masculinity?”  Do you have any men in your life who might benefit from being encouraged to express their emotions a little more?

I’m sure many women have a husband / boyfriend who was raised to be a “manly man.”  While there is nothing wrong with traditional masculinity, it doesn’t have to be the only character trait that defines a man.  As Brad, my male administrative assistant (and stay-at-home dad) can attest, archaic and stereotypical gender roles are being rewritten all the time.  But not everyone has received the message.  He has told me of how he has been approached while grocery shopping and told how “cute” it is that he’s helping his wife by getting groceries.  He’s told at the park how great it is that he’s taking care of kids for the day to give their mom a break.  He’s even been teased by his male friends for not having a “real job.” (For those of us with kids, we can all have a hearty laugh at that one!)

The truth is, men and women are both strong and resilient people, capable of amazing things.  But both men and women also experience the same difficulties balancing work, life, family and friends. While a man’s journey and a woman’s journey are unique, there are also commonalities. Let’s spend some time expressing our emotions, building each other up, and laying off the gender stereotypes!

#TrueStrength