20 Things Men Secretly Despise About Manhood

Ephraim Obare
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Welcome, dear reader, to the secretive world of manhood – a realm often filled with unspeakable horrors like the dread of asking for directions, the unspoken agony of losing a video game, or the covert embarrassment of not knowing the difference between mauve and lilac. These are the trials and tribulations of being a man, the unvoiced struggles that lurk beneath the surface of masculine bravado.

Table of Contents

So buckle up, and prepare for a roller-coaster ride into the hidden depths of men’s souls, where we spill the beans on 20 things men hate about being a man but keep stubbornly to themselves. Here’s to breaking those silent barriers!

The Societal Pressure to “Man Up” and Suppress Emotions

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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Guys, let’s talk about the proverbial “man up” mandate. This societal pressure cooker we’ve been shoved into wants us to bottle up our emotions, scoff at tears, and basically treat our feelings like unwanted guests. We’re supposed to be the stoic, unfazed pillars of strength, right? Well, here’s the kicker: it’s draining. Incredibly exhausting. Like trying to hold a beach ball underwater while juggling chainsaws.

Guess what? It’s okay to have feelings. Shocking, I know. It’s perfectly acceptable to feel sad, happy, anxious, or even – brace yourselves – cry. So let’s start acknowledging those feelings, gents. It’s not a sign of weakness but a testament to being human.

Navigating the Paradoxical Expectation of Being Both a Tough Guy and a Sensitive Listener

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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Navigating the paradoxical expectation of being both a tough guy and a sensitive listener is like being a Swiss Army knife for emotions. We’re talking about playing a multi-faceted role that demands you to be a steel-willed superhero, unflinching in the face of adversity, while simultaneously being a gentle-hearted, empathetic listener, ready to lend an ear to every whisper. It’s a roller coaster ride where you’re expected to be as resistant as a diamond and as absorbent as a sponge.

On the one hand, you’ve got to gulp down the hurts like a man of steel; on the other, you’ve got to resonate with the emotions of others like the finest of violins. It’s like being asked to be a rock and a pillow at the same time – pretty confusing, right? But that’s the wild ride of manhood – a never-ending juggling act between strength and sensitivity.

Dealing With the Constant Fear of Losing Hair. Seriously, It’s a Big Deal!

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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Ah, the ominous receding hairline – every man’s silent nightmare. Lads, let us address the elephant in the room: hair loss. It’s ironic how we spend our teenage years begging for facial hair, only to hit our thirties and start the great migration from face to scalp. It’s like a cruel, cosmological joke. One day you’re pulling off the Brad Pitt look, and the next, you’re channeling your inner Vin Diesel.

And, while we appreciate Vin’s badass persona, we’d rather keep our heads out of the hair-loss game. So, here’s to investing in hats, exploring the world of Rogaine, and secretly hoping that bald is the new trend!

The Unspoken Rule That Men Shouldn’t Like Romantic Movies

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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Ah, the time-honored tradition of men pretending they have no interest in a good rom-com or a heartfelt drama. The idea that men should only enjoy action-packed thrillers or gut-busting comedies is as antiquated as it is absurd.

This unspoken rule discourages men from indulging in the simple pleasure of a captivating love story or an uplifting tale of personal triumph. But let’s be real here, who doesn’t love a good tear-jerker? It’s okay, gentlemen; you can admit it. We won’t tell.

The Expectation To Be the Primary Breadwinner. Stability Is Everybody’s Responsibility, Right?

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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Today, societal expectations still often peg men as the primary breadwinners of their households. Despite the reality that dual-income households are becoming the norm, men secretly lament the unspoken rule that they should be raking in the lion’s share of the family’s income. It’s a pressure cooker situation, right?

The expectation of being the financial rock, the steady provider, can feel like carrying a 24/7 job on top of a 9-to-5. And let’s face it; money trees did not sprout in backyard gardens last time we checked. So here’s an idea, how about we start recognizing that financial stability is everyone’s responsibility, not just the guy’s?

Enduring the Pain of Catching a Quick One to the Groin — The Struggle Is Real

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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Let’s talk about the groin. It’s a region, a neighborhood, that no man wants to discuss, yet every man must protect diligently. There’s a universal understanding among men; a quick one to the groin isn’t just a pain; it’s a full-blown, eye-watering, gut-wrenching experience.

An inadvertent elbow, a misjudged football pass, even a toddler’s innocent lunge — you’d be surprised at how life seems to find innovative ways to remind you of this vulnerability. The struggle, my friends, couldn’t be any more real. And the worst part? You can’t even talk about it without every male within a 10-mile radius squirming uncomfortably. Ah, the silent agony!

Always Having To Make the First Move, Because Tradition

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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Ah, the classic “man must make the first move” tradition. Gentlemen, how often have we stood in a crowded room, across the bar, or at a party, locked eyes with someone intriguing, and thought, “Well, I guess it’s up to me…”? It’s like we’re perpetually cast as the lead role in some romantic comedy destined to trip over our own feet. There’s an unspoken expectation that we have an innate sense of timing, wit, and charm ready to launch immediately.

And let’s not forget, this isn’t a one-time gig. No, no, you’re expected to be the one initiating dates, planning surprises, and steering conversations. So, while making the first move can sometimes feel like an adrenaline-fueled adventure, it can also feel like an exhausting, never-ending audition.

The Pressure To Know Everything About Cars, Sports, and Home Repairs

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One thing that men despise, but keep bottled up, is the societal expectation that they must be living encyclopedias of cars, sports, and home repairs. Suddenly, you’re less of a “man” if you can’t discuss the merits of a carburetor vs. fuel injection, reel off the batting averages of every player in the MLB, or fix a leaky pipe on command.

But let’s be real here; Google was invented for a reason. Plot twist: men are allowed not to know things! And there’s absolutely zero shame in a quick search bar rendezvous to figure out what that flashing light on your car’s dashboard means. After all, isn’t technology supposed to make life easier?

The Discomfort of “Adjusting” in Public Without Looking Suspicious

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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Men, let’s talk about that awkward dance we all know too well – the subtle “adjustment.” You’re in public, and life is grand, but suddenly, there’s a need for some emergency rearranging down south. We’ve all been there, yet it’s something we never discuss. Attempting to adjust without looking suspicious often results in bizarre maneuvers that would make a disco dancer proud.

It’s like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube in your pocket. The challenge: how to achieve comfort without attracting those disapproving stares. And the irony? The more we try to be discreet, the more attention we seem to draw. Oh, the irony!

The Silent Code That Men Don’t Share Their Fears or Insecurities

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Ah, the silent code. They say that a man only fears admitting his fear to someone else. A man’s insecurities are his most closely guarded secret, lest someone finds an Achilles heel. It’s a lonely island sometimes. Being a man means adhering to this unwritten rule of stoicism and emotional suppression. It’s like being on a desert island but without the palm trees, the ocean, or even a volleyball named Wilson to chat with.

It’s just you and your thoughts. You’ve got your fears, insecurities, and worries, but you put on a brave face, put them in a box, and bury them in the sand. And you hope, just hope, that no one sees the box or, worse yet, asks what’s inside. So, gentlemen, next time you’re feeling lonely on your island, remember — there’s probably another guy on an island nearby, feeling just the same way.

The Frustration of Not Being Taken Seriously When Reporting Domestic Abuse

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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It’s about as maddening as forgetting the punchline to a joke. Men, too, can be the victims of domestic abuse, but society often paints a different picture. Imagine walking into a police station, chest pounding like a jackhammer, to report being on the receiving end of domestic abuse, only to be met with skeptical looks.

It’s like being stuck in an episode of the Twilight Zone where your reality is constantly questioned. This adds insult to injury and reinforces the harmful stereotype that men should always be “tough.” Spoiler alert: Men are human.

The Impossible Beauty Standards Set by Superhero Movies

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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Oh, superhero movies are the intangible standard setter. Ever wondered why your local gym is always packed? Blame it on Thor and his chiseled abs. Really, who needs a washboard stomach when a comfy couch and a bag of chips sound so inviting? It’s time we appreciated the beauty of keeping up with our daily routines.

Sure, we might not be able to swing a hammer like a Norse god or leap from buildings like a guy who got bitten by a radioactive spider, but we’re doing pretty well at being our unique, very human selves. Because, let’s face it, not everyone can be Thor, and that’s perfectly okay.

The Dread of the Razor — The Nicks, the Cuts. It’s a Battlefield

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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Ah, the Dread of the Razor — a battlefield strewn across the bathroom sink, battlegrounds are drawn on unsuspecting cheeks, chins, and necks. It’s a daily skirmish against a forest of stubble armed with nothing but a razor and some shaving cream.

Thanks to our friend, evolution, men are blessed (or cursed) with a coat of facial hair that needs constant taming. And the nicks and cuts? They’re the battle scars of this unwavering war — a reminder of our struggle for civilized smoothness. So remember, the next time you see a man emerging from the bathroom, he hasn’t just shaved — he’s survived.

The Expectation to Not Enjoy Things That Are Considered “Girly.”

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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Oh, the labels! Here’s a little secret: Men like to enjoy a good soak in a bubble bath or the soothing aroma of lavender-scented candles. But heaven forbid, if word gets out in the manly circles, our ‘rugged’ reputation could crumble like a house of cards. Just because we have testosterone flowing through our veins, does it mean we’re expected to despise anything remotely “girly”?

Why should we deny ourselves the simple pleasures in life, like the fizz of a bath bomb or the soft glow of a candle? It’s high time we break the chains of these nonsensical societal norms and bravely announce: “Yes, I’m a man, and I enjoy bubble baths and scented candles!”

The Struggle To Decipher the Difference Between Various Shades of Color. Is It Turquoise, Teal, or Aquamarine?

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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The color conundrum! For most men, this is the equivalent of trigonometry—confusing, unnecessary, and best avoided. We like to keep things simple. Red is red, blue is blue, and green is green. So, when someone says, “Isn’t this turquoise scarf stunning?” we’re left scratching our heads.

We squint, hoping for divine intervention to help us distinguish turquoise from teal or teal from aquamarine. But alas, to us, they’re all just… well, blue. And, let’s be honest, isn’t life complicated enough without having to ponder the existential question of the exact shade of your living room wall?

The Anxiety of Potential Impotency — It’s a Silent Terror

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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Ever been on a roller coaster? That’s a picnic compared to the silent terror of potential impotency. It’s like being stuck on the world’s most daunting roller coaster, except instead of the ride ending in a few minutes, it’s a lifelong journey. And what a ride it is! One moment, everything is functioning just fine, and the next, you’re frantically searching “erectile dysfunction” on Google at 2 a.m.

A looming specter haunts every man’s subconscious, lurking in the shadows of every “failed launch.” Remember, guys; the struggle is part of the story, so let’s face it head-on. This is one terror we need to talk about loudly and proudly. After all, every roller coaster ride is better when you scream, right?

The Pressure To Propose in an Extravagant Manner Because of a Simple “Will You Marry Me?” Just Won’t Do

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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Remember when popping the question was as simple as kneeling and unveiling a ring? Those days seem like a distant memory now, replaced by social media feeds filled with flash mobs, scavenger hunts, and all sorts of grand gestures. Men are feeling the heat not just to propose but to curate an experience that’s Instagram-worthy.

The fear of being outdone by the friend who hired a skywriter to propose isn’t just about vanity – it’s about living up to the growing expectations that come with this pivotal question. And let’s be honest; it’s a bit of a bummer when you realize that the bar for proposals has been raised to stratospheric heights.

The Difficulty of Expressing Affection To Male Friends Without Being Awkward

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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Guys, let’s face it – we’ve all been there. You’re hanging out with your best mate, sharing laughs, maybe a few beers, and suddenly you feel an overwhelming wave of, dare we say affection. But expressing it? That’s a whole other ballgame. The struggle to convey genuine love for your bro without appearing awkward is real. It’s like trying to diffuse a bomb with no clear instructions – one wrong move, and you’ve ignited an uncomfortable silence that lasts for eternity.

Society has conditioned us to believe that men expressing affection is a no-go zone. But let’s break that stereotype, shall we? After all, who wrote the rulebook stating that a fist bump is the universal language of male bonding?

The Assumption That All Men Love Beer. Some of Us Are Cocktail Guys

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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Let’s make this clear: not all guys are craft beer aficionados who spend their weekends comparing the hoppy notes of IPA brews – some of us prefer our drinks shaken, not stirred. That’s right; we’re talking about the men who’d rather enjoy an Old Fashioned or a chilled Martini over a frothy pint of beer.

Society has a way of pigeonholing men into beer-guzzling stereotypes, but it’s time to break that mold. So, the next time you see a man sipping on a Cosmopolitan or a Piña Colada, remember – not all men are from the Land of Lager. Some of us prefer the scenic route through Mixed-drink Meadows.

And Lastly, the Societal Stereotype That All Men Should Be Tall. Short Guys Are Cool Too!

20 Things Men Hate About Being a Man but Keep to Themselves
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And let’s not forget about the height paradox. Society has this absurd notion that real men hit six feet tall like they’ve crossed some magical threshold into manhood. It’s like there’s a forgotten rule in the Boy Code that says, “height equals manliness”. But let’s shatter that stereotype here and now: Short guys are cool too!

They navigate crowds like pros and fit comfortably in airplane seats, and Tom Cruise isn’t exactly towering over anyone, is he? So, to all the vertically-challenged guys out there, stand tall (pun intended). Your stature doesn’t define your masculinity—your character does.

Source: Quora. 

10 Turn-Offs: Things Women Assume Guys Love, but Actually Give Them “Bye, Felicia!” Vibes!

Men Turn Offs
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Ladies, gather around and lend an ear! Today we’re shedding light on the dark side of the moon, the mysteries of the male psyche. We’ve all been there, doing our best to be the most appealing version of ourselves, only to find out that what we thought was the secret sauce to their hearts was, in fact, the magic potion for making them vanish!

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7 Best Pet Gates of 2023

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Dogs and cats are part of the family. And like any other family member, we want to ensure they are safe and secure. That’s why a pet gate is such an essential addition to your home. It keeps your pets safe from getting into trouble and gives you peace of mind knowing that they can’t escape when you’re not around. Choosing the right dog gate can be daunting for pet parents. With so many different styles and sizes, it can take time to narrow down your choices.

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10 Ways the Child Support System Is Unfair to Men in America

10 Ways the Child Support System Is Unfair to Men in America
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On the surface, it seems like a knight in shining armor, ensuring our adorable little tykes are catered for, even when mom and dad can’t play house anymore. But we have to ask, is it truly fair play? Or, like a Hollywood thriller, is there a plot twist for the unsuspecting dads? Buckle up, folks.

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The 18 Dumbest Things Men Associate Their Masculinity With Today

Dumbest Masculinity
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In the grand theater of life, masculinity has often been associated with a bewildering array of props – some amusing, some perplexing, and others downright illogical. From the size of one’s biceps to the depth of one’s voice, from the choice of a car to the preference for meaty meals, men have often found themselves embroiled in a curious quest to assert their manhood.

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10 Real Things Men Confess They Hate About Other Men

10 Real Things Men Confess They Hate About Other Men 
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It’s no surprise that women complain about men’s bad behavior. However, I was surprised to see an online forum where men admitted traits they couldn’t stand about their gender.

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