(September 4, 2023 at 6:20 am)zebo-the-fat Wrote: I really don't care. I am a heterosexual male who only drinks a little (cannot remember the last time I was drunk, must be over 15 years ago) I have zero interest in sports (never watched a game of football or cricket in my life) some would say I'm not a real man, but that's their problem, I am happy with my life, approaching my 35th wedding aniversary (she must be crazy to put up with me!) what others think is just not important to me.
I think whether being 'not a real man' causes any personal bother likely depends on a few other factors. Age is a big one (young people probably care more than older folk). But also things like the prevalence of its application (being told very regularly is different to being told just every now and again), or the manner in which you are told (is it acting as an insult, a social rejection, a form of bullying etc?), where the message is coming from (parent, teachers, peers, church etc), and what actions accompany it.
I think it's easier for some to ignore social conditioning than others.
For me, I'm glad I can side-step the issue to a fair degree these days.
