How would you define masculinity?

First I need to highlight a difference between masculinity and manhood. Emotions control is very important for humans in general but more for men why?. If a man responded in any situation out of his emotions he might retweet it later and lose a lot. When we are in emotional mode we are usually unconscious, this is very clear when we are angry. If we respond out of anger we can cause damage to relationships or even physical damage to ourselves or others. One final point to be emphasized is emotion control does mean we do not have them, we have them but we need to be on top of them

Masculinity has a lot to do with standing up for the truth, working hard, being of sound mind, not being violent tempered but being stern, and never giving up. It means having good character with masculine ideals like perseverance and know-how to live on your own according to scripture or to have a wife and children and to lead them in a godly Christlike way. It has nothing to do with bravado or showing off. We know when we are masculine. We don’t have to prove it to anybody. It is confidence.

It's a term that encapsulates or rather solidifies what's expected of a man at a certain point in time by the society. Nothing more, nothing less. So the definition would change depending on who you ask and their beliefs. For some it may be about the looks, thick stubble and muscular physique. For others, it might be the values and morals. As you mentioned providing and protecting. Every male on the planet exists a certain way, and each of those billions of ways of existence are their own versions of masculinity.

@Amanda84

Upbringing - I probable took after my father, who never showed any emotions other than anger. Heck, even my mother never showed emotions.
I hid my emotions for decades, it really wasn't until almost exactly 1 year ago (something happened at work that drastically changed my life) that I started showing emotions but mostly when I am alone. whether I'm at home, work hiding in my office or just sitting alone in my car with my emotion evoking music at full volume.

I am sure that this has led me not feeling enough, showing my feelings or be emotionally supportive towards others. My wife used to complain that I never showed emotions and seemed like I did not care. I barely let out a tear when our parents passed away.

I have always been the provider, but that's not to say my wife hasn't done anything. She has always been the caregiver not only for our daughter but for each of our parents as their health deteriorated. She has expressed her gratitude many times for me keeping a roof over our heads and is supportive of me making my decision to wanting to retire early.

In the last year, I probably have cried more than I have in my entire life. Sure there are still days when I mostly do it while alone, other times I take advantage when my wife and I are alone watching mushy TV shows or Movies. She will sometimes make fun of me and other times she will support me.

Not so eloquently put as others here, but that's my half story and I'm sticking to it 😁

@Amanda84

In the symbolism of Sun or Mars, like an active energy, boldness, bravery, courage. Outward movement, assertion, action, ambition, strength, and the drive to shape and influence the external world... the will to overcome obstacles and shape the world through action.

But it doesn't mean to not feel or to not express feelings, doing so is strength as well. Vulnerability takes courage and, for those who know how to do it, builds resilience.

@Amanda84

I am not a male, however My husband is very much like this for himself, however he does not engrain this into our son, he tells him it is ok to cry, be sad, be angry and show emotions . He blames this on his military background and an uncaring mother, he knows how he is but it is not something that is easy to change and not something I ever push for him to change. We have been together for 20+ years, he has gotten a bit more understanding of emotions since having our son though.  

Thank you for posting this.... And yes it seems society has this idea about how a man supposed to be, but it doesn't take into account each person and their real life experiences. For me I was brought up only by my mom and my big sister so they had/have a really big influence on me. I'm very emotional and will cry even at some silly little commercial I see that is very sentimental to me.

Also I'm very shy because they were so strong willed in my life 😊😊, but I'm really trying to do better in that area.

Masculinity is a fake thing made to make people feel good about themselves but there are two kinds a of masculinity the fake one is what "defines" a man the real one is what actually defines a man, a man who can protect, a man who can show sympathy, a man who is afraid to show weakness, and a man who understands

Masculinity balances confidence and vulnerability, action and reflection, independence and empathy, allowing a man to express himself fully while respecting others and contributing positively to his relationships and community.

Masculinity balances confidence and vulnerability, action and reflection, independence and empathy, allowing a man to express himself fully while respecting others and contributing positively to his relationships and community.