Eye-Opening Facts About Men That Women Were Surprised To Learn
"[Men] are far more acceptant of how women look like naturally than women themselves."
Despite spending most of our lives together, men and women still ignore many crucial aspects of each other. These aspects are rarely or never mentioned out loud, and each gender always thinks they are evident and don't deserve to get brought up.
Of course, each person is unique and has personality traits and characteristics that distinguish them from others. However, some things are occasionally the same among most people who belong to a specific gender.
The more we know about each other, the easier it will be to interact and share our lives. Some seemingly insignificant facts that you never pay much attention to might be perceived as eye-opening by someone who doesn't belong to the same gender as you.
Communication is key, and it's always better to try to understand each before beginning to form strong opinions based on falsehoods. Some random and seemingly uninteresting details could sometimes be the key to the success of your relationships.
A Redditor who goes by the username u/Big-Contact-4204 made a post on the r/AskReddit subReddit with the following question: "Women, what is a surprising fact you discovered about men?" The user received many eye-opening replies to their question; scroll down to check them out!
1. "That men rarely ever receive compliments in their lives."
I purposely go out of my way to express even the smallest compliments in case they haven’t heard one for a long time.
Riley Kaminer2. "Many men get an erection in the morning."
Morning moves around the globe every 24 hours. This means that there is an erection wave that has been going around the globe without end since the beginning of any species with which this started.
ricardo3. "That they suffer from gender stereotyping too."
Mitch Barrie
Unpacking Men's Emotional Expression
Cultural narratives often dictate how men are expected to express emotions, with many men feeling pressured to conform to stoic ideals. Dr. Michael Addis, a leading researcher in men's mental health, notes that this can lead to emotional suppression, which has significant psychological consequences. For instance, men may internalize their feelings, leading to increased rates of anxiety and depression.
This cultural backdrop shapes the responses to discussions about women's natural beauty, revealing societal expectations regarding vulnerability and acceptance.
Perceptions of Masculinity and Self-Acceptance
Recent research from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology suggests that men's self-acceptance is often influenced by societal standards that prioritize achievement and external validation. This can lead to a disconnect between how men perceive themselves and how they believe they should be perceived by others. The notion that men are more accepting of women's natural appearance than women themselves may reflect a deeper psychological phenomenon where men, facing their own insecurities, project acceptance onto others as a form of coping.
4. "That they are not criticizing women’s bodies as much as women are led to believe..."
...(maybe by themselves or whomever is driving this culture). They are often more accepting of how women look naturally than women themselves. As Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, states, "Men's attraction to women's natural beauty is often underestimated, as they appreciate authenticity." This perspective can be a game changer for many women.
Ian Livesey
5. "Most men don’t actually know how to fix things. They just pull it apart and put it back together again and hope for the best."
_ubik_
6. "At my first job, I used to work mostly with women, then switched to IT and now it’s mostly men."
I was surprised to learn that guys don’t hold a grudge as much as the women I worked with did. We’d have an argument on Friday, I was worked up about it all weekend and worried how it would affect our future relationship, then come Monday and boom…nothing. They genuinely seemed like they let it go. It’s a pretty sweet thing.
Masa Israel Journey
Research published in the Psychological Bulletin indicates that men often experience greater difficulty in self-acceptance, particularly concerning physical appearance. This can create a disconnect in how men perceive women's beauty standards versus their own. The emotional disconnect in these discussions can lead to misunderstandings and conflict in relationships.
Moreover, the concept of cognitive dissonance plays a role here, as men may struggle with the gap between societal expectations and their personal beliefs. A study from the University of Virginia shows that when individuals confront conflicting beliefs, it can lead to stress and discomfort. This tension may explain why men express acceptance yet still grapple with their own insecurities regarding masculinity and self-image.
7. "That they want to be loved as badly as we do and they’re also mushy gushy"
freestocks.org
8. "You guys can sit there and think about nothing"
Les Chatfield Follow
9. "Not surprising but i’m shocked that some women genuinely don’t think men suffer from mental health problems."
"Often, what may appear as laziness or a lack of initiative in men can actually be a sign of deeper issues such as depression. As Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist, notes, 'Men often internalize their struggles, which can manifest as withdrawal or a lack of motivation.'"
Casey Muir-Taylor
The Psychological Benefits of Acceptance
Acceptance and self-compassion are essential components of emotional well-being. Dr. Kristin Neff’s work highlights the importance of self-compassion in fostering a positive self-image. When individuals embrace their natural selves, they tend to experience lower levels of anxiety and improved overall mental health.
Encouraging men to practice self-acceptance and challenge societal norms can lead to healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Challenging Societal Norms Around Body Image
Challenging societal norms regarding body image is essential for fostering a more inclusive understanding of self-acceptance. Research indicates that promoting body positivity can significantly impact mental health outcomes. A study from the University of California, Los Angeles, found that individuals who actively engage in body-positive practices report lower levels of anxiety and depression. Encouraging men to embrace authenticity in their self-image can help dismantle harmful stereotypes associated with masculinity.
10. "The fact that men really are physically stronger."
I always assumed this was purely based on size but I'm a woman who works out every day (lifts weights, yoga, jogging/peloton.) My older brother doesn't exercise outside of an occasional hike. He's 4inches taller than me and 10 lbs lighter than I am (I'm a dress size 0 or 2.) He's faster than me on a hike (including backpacking) and can lift up heavier things. It makes me SO angry.
Nenad Stojkovic
11. "That most men don’t care that your stomach isn’t flat."
--Dr. Sue Johnson, couples therapy pioneer states, "Understanding the emotional needs of men can often surprise women, as many men struggle to express their feelings." This insight is echoed by Dr. Helen Fisher, biological anthropologist, who notes, "Men may not communicate their emotions as openly, but they experience deep feelings that are often overlooked." These perspectives highlight the complexities of male emotional expression, which can be enlightening for women seeking to understand their partners better.
Flickr
12. "When they say they don't know why they feel a certain way they ACTUALLY don't know. I find it crazy and I couldn't trust it the first times."
Cristian Ungureanu
Encouraging Open Dialogues About Beauty Standards
To address the discrepancies in emotional expressions regarding beauty standards, fostering open conversations can be invaluable. Men could be encouraged to share their vulnerabilities and feelings about beauty in a safe environment. Research indicates that sharing emotions can enhance emotional intelligence and foster deeper connections.
Creating spaces for these discussions can help dismantle harmful stereotypes and promote healthier emotional expressions among men.
Creating supportive environments where men can openly discuss their feelings about body image is vital. Therapeutic settings that normalize vulnerability can promote healthier attitudes toward self-acceptance. According to Dr. Brené Brown, fostering a culture of vulnerability and connection can lead to improved mental health outcomes for men grappling with societal pressures.
13. "That if you show them exactly how much you appreciate them they are more likely to be motivated to complete a task than if you nag them."
bluesbby
14. "They only pretend to not like gentle affection. Lay your head in my lap and let me pet you you know you like it you fall asleep within minutes."
marneejill
15. "That they have a whole set of unsaid rules about where to pee in public bathrooms"
Taber Andrew Bain
16. "I am constantly floored by how little some men know about their close friends’ lives!"
I know multiple men who speak to their best friends super regularly, but could not say with certainty if they’re single, what kind of work they do/where they work, etc. I don’t understand it at all, but I just keep meeting men like this.
Tony Alter
17. "Some actually want a real relationship and not just f**k"
mrhayata
18. "That 80% of the time they concretely mean exactly what they say, which is why only 20% of the time they understand what I’m saying."
1Day Review
19. "They like being the little spoon too."
--avirusa
Wilson Lau
20. "When they wake up, they just sit down and stare at nothing for a good 5 minutes..."
Tony Alter
21. "That when a guy is invested in a girl they are oblivious to other flirting women."
When my husband and I were still dating I saw women hitting on him so bad and he not realizing these women were hitting on him was jaw dropping.Me: what do those 2 girls wanted? (All dressed up with drinks in their hand)Edit2: girls were all smiling, giggling and doing the hair thing. And I kept an eye on those 2... they did not go to the restroom after talking to him.My husband: they wanted to know where the bathrooms were.Me: dude, these women knew where the bathrooms are, they just wanted to make small talk with you.My husband: nah, i told the the bathrooms were over there.Me:--Envy0711
Wyatt Fisher
Men are not that complicated if you pay close attention to the things they do and say. Our biases always influence our decisions and actions, and it's always easy to paint a whole gender with the same brush than to try to figure them out.
If you enjoyed reading this, make sure to check out similar content on our platform.
Psychological Analysis
This discussion highlights the significant impact societal standards of masculinity have on men's self-perception. The disconnect between self-acceptance and societal expectations can create inner conflict, leading to anxiety and dissatisfaction. By addressing these issues openly, men can cultivate healthier self-relationships and foster a supportive community around them.
Analysis generated by AI
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
In conclusion, understanding the complexities of masculinity and self-acceptance is crucial for fostering healthier relationships with oneself and others. By challenging societal norms and creating supportive spaces for discussion, men can learn to embrace their authentic selves without fear of judgment. This shift can lead to improved mental health and well-being.
Analysis & Alternative Approaches
Ultimately, addressing men's emotional expression and societal pressures surrounding beauty standards requires nuanced conversations. Research indicates that fostering self-acceptance and open dialogue can contribute to improved emotional health. As noted in psychological literature, 'Creating supportive environments for emotional sharing is essential for personal and relational growth.'
