Since We All Know Toxic Masculinity Is A Curse, It's Time For Men To Show How Other Men Dismissing Their Emotions And Feelings Affects Them

It can be difficult for men to talk about their emotions. Although completely normal and often healthy, it can be viewed as a weakness or seen as too feminine by men who might not be as in touch with their emotions and/or stuck in the cycle of toxic masculinity.

A person with a surprised expression, wearing a plain white shirt, indoors
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It's important for men to feel comfortable being vulnerable too, so I'd like to know: Men, have you ever made yourself vulnerable to other men by spilling some sensitive emotions, only to be ignored or, perhaps worse, dismissed? Maybe you said something back in response? Or did you ignore being ignored? Did it create a rift in the friendship?

Two people at a pub, one in a leather jacket, appear engaged in conversation. Drinks are on the table in front of them
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Maybe you were having a was a mental health emergency, but when you went to your own father about it, he told you, "Men don't cry," and you had to seek help elsewhere. And even worse, he teased you about going to friends or even seeking therapy.

Person attentively listens with hands on cheeks, facing another person who is blurred in the foreground. Casual setting

Man holding head in hands

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Or maybe you had a close relative or friend pass away, but when you tried to open up to a male friend you've practically known since birth, he immediately changed the subject and brushed right past your feelings.

Person sitting on bed, head in hand, appearing thoughtful or stressed, with a clock on the wall behind them. Room is softly lit through a window
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Perhaps you went through a really difficult breakup or divorce, and your best friend asked you why you weren't over it yet...a literal week after it happened.

Person sitting on a bed with head in hand, appearing thoughtful or stressed. A clock on the wall shows time. Daylight filters through a window

Tired man just woke up. Concept of low energy and sleeplessness.

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Or maybe you had a big win at work, and he didn't have any inkling of joy to share with you. *Buzzkill.*

Two warehouse workers in safety gear exchange a high-five, surrounded by shelves of boxes and goods
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Men, please tell us all about how other men have dismissed or entirely ignored your feelings, and why it hurts. Comment below or use this anonymous form for a chance to be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post.