Bill (sexy handyman), this really touched me. I have noticed this for a long time and it is very troubling to me how our culture cannot let men be soft, too. My ex was very cuddly and physically affectionate, and I know it sometimes made him uncomfortable that he wanted and needed that so much — because he was supposed to be “strong.”

Personally, I love a man who can exhibit all sides of himself, including softness, gentleness, emotions, etc. I think it’s so important that we are all allowed the full spectrum of human emotion and experience, without being judged by society around gender “norms.”

Unfortunately, I still see this happening to this day. As a former teacher, I saw little boys, as young as 6, exhibiting this understanding that they weren’t supposed to cry or be sensitive to their friends because they were “guys.” Or they’d already be insulting one another for “being girlie.” It breaks my heart that this is still happening in 2020 and I hope that with more understanding and compassion, we can create a safer space for all of us to just be who we are without having to uphold damaging gender stereotypes.

Much love to you!