The Quiet Struggles of Being a Man

Being a man is often perceived as a role of privilege and power, but beneath the surface lies a complex web of quiet struggles. These struggles aren’t always spoken about, let alone acknowledged. Society has set certain expectations for men — some outdated, some unrealistic — that shape the way boys grow into men.

As someone who has navigated the winding paths of manhood, I’ve experienced and witnessed these challenges firsthand. The beauty of it all, however, lies in the eventual realization that the struggles don’t define us; our growth through them does.

Here are seven quiet struggles that men face, along with the lessons and wisdom that emerge as we confront them head-on.

1. The Lifetime Pressure of Societal Expectations

From a young age, boys are told to work hard and succeed, with an underlying warning: “If you don’t, you’ll amount to nothing.” The weight of societal expectations can feel crushing. Success becomes synonymous with worth, and failure becomes a badge of shame.

My Story:

I remember hearing phrases like “Be the man of the house” when I was barely old enough to understand what that meant. It created a constant pressure to perform and prove my value. There were times I felt lost, doubting whether I would…