Normative male alexithymia: masculinity and affect
I refuse to continue being a normative alexithymic! Tomorrow, January 21, is World Hug Day. And no, it's not nonsense. Why? Well, because showing the affection you have for the people around you is the most rewarding and important thing you can do in your daily routine. However, why are men shy to show such affection on many occasions?
In truth, it is not that we do not show affection because we do not have feelings to show, but because since you were born you have been told that feelings and affection are linked to other types of people (women, in most cases). But not! I refuse to continue being coerced by all the stigmas that have been imposed on us for so many years. (And that's not why I'm less masculine ).
What is normative male alexithymia?
All people have so much to prove... ( Men too). However, we are unconsciously subjected to a constant struggle between our identity as men and the desire to express and transmit our feelings , in order to connect with others.
However, this struggle is not an idea we were born with, but two adverse ideas that have been imposed on us from the moment we were born. For this reason, on many occasions it is so difficult to get rid of all the stigmas and labels that have been placed on us, in order to express ourselves freely . Different sexologists and psychologists have called this phenomenon, this imposed struggle, this idea “ normative male alexithymia ”.
In other words, according to experts, men have been given the idea that the feelings and masculinity that we must convey to society cannot go hand in hand. We have been unfairly removed from our ability to express ourselves , feel and communicate ! This not only makes it difficult for us to recognize and identify our feelings , but it is much more difficult for us to express them . And the same goes for affection . How long has it been since you gave someone you love a hug ? (I do quite a lot).
But, I refuse. I refuse to be part of a world that unfairly instills in men the wrong concept of masculinity . I also have feelings , things hurt me too, I also cry with rage and helplessness sometimes. And I no longer have to hide behind the shield of “ masculinity ”. But what can I do to end normative male alexithymia ?
You can start with something very easy: celebrate World Hug Day tomorrow with the people around you, try to show your feelings more and start to get rid of all the stigmas that have been imposed on you for years.
