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Positive masculinity can also have a meaningful impact on friendships, families, and workplaces. In its discussion of healthier masculine ideals, The Atlantic explores how moving away from rigid expectations can help men build stronger relationships and become more comfortable with emotional openness. Men who feel able to express affection, ask for help, maintain close friendships, and resolve disagreements constructively may find it easier to develop supportive relationships.
They note that greater equality is linked with better mental health for men, more involvement in family life, shared caregiving, and more satisfying intimate relationships. Similar principles apply in professional settings, where effective leadership depends on reliability, collaboration, and the ability to accept feedback rather than relying on intimidation.
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The influence of positive masculinity can extend well beyond individual relationships, particularly when men become examples for younger generations. Boys often learn what manhood means by observing fathers, teachers, coaches, older relatives, and other men around them. Seeing a man apologize sincerely, comfort a child, stand up against unfair treatment, or admit that he needs help can challenge the belief that vulnerability is incompatible with strength.
These everyday examples can help create environments in which boys feel less pressure to hide their emotions and more freedom to develop healthy relationships. Positive masculinity also encourages men to challenge harmful behavior among their peers rather than remain silent to fit in. Ultimately, being a good man can mean using one's strengths responsibly, treating others with dignity, and making people feel supported and respected.
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Sir Kevin Sinfield, a true living legend and all round charity god.
For a historical character, my fave is probably Sir Roger Casement who exposed the Belgian atrocities in the Congo in the early 20th century, amongst being an all round true Renaissance Man.
Ultimately, positive masculinity is less about fitting a particular image of what a man should be and more about how he treats the people around him. Strength can mean standing up for someone who is being mistreated, but it can also mean admitting a mistake, offering comfort, or being willing to listen when someone needs support.
Everyone has probably encountered someone who changed their understanding of what a good man can be, whether it was a father who always made time for his children, a friend who offered support without judgment, or a stranger who stepped in when someone needed help. What is your favorite example of positive masculinity? We would love to hear from you!
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“It's OK for macho men to show every emotion available right there, you know. Because I've cried a thousand times [and] I'm gonna cry some more. But, I've soared with eagles and slithered with the snakes and everywhere in between and I'm gonna tell you something right now: there's one guarantee in life and that is that there are no guarantees, yeah.”
"And…understand this: nobody likes a quitter, nobody said life was easy. So if you get knocked down, take the standing eight count, get back up and fight again and you're a macho manic, dig it?
#33
My best TKD instructor was like this to me, and that gave me the ability to earn true confidence and self respect and love.
More men need to help those who are weaker by empowering and teaching, instead of insults and laughter.
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