I agree completely that there is a deep correlation here between male shame around emotions and female shame around sexuality — all of which is orchestrated by our toxic culture. I also agree that because of the cultural dynamics, women are instructed to reject a man’s emotional vulnerability just as men are instructed to reject a woman’s sexual empowerment. One is “weak” (not husband material) and the other is “immoral” (not wife material). So these things that we so desperately want from the opposite sex, we are also programed to reject when we get it. Which makes for a terrifying experience for anyone who wants to challenge the cultural directives.

As for your final question…it inspires me to write a piece about that because the answer is very long and complicated! :)