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The Unlived Self · Oct 23, 2024

How To Cry Like A Man

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Greg Shindler · The Unlived Self

Let’s get one thing straight—this idea that men shouldn’t cry, that we should be stoic, unfeeling slabs of muscle and testosterone, is complete and utter bullshit. Somewhere along the way, someone decided that being a “real man” meant shoving down every ounce of emotion, pretending like we’re immune to heartbreak, sadness, or even a damn good movie. It’s time to call that out for what it is: fear. Fear of being vulnerable, fear of being real, and fear of actually feeling something.

Here’s the truth: a man who’s strong, confident, and secure in his masculinity is a man who isn’t afraid to cry. In fact, he embraces it. A man like that understands that vulnerability is where the real strength lies. He knows that being open with his emotions, especially with his partner, is the key to building trust, safety, and deep connection. That’s what makes him a man worth knowing.

But you know who’s not a “real man”? The guy who’s terrified of letting a tear slip because he thinks it makes him look weak. That’s not strength—that’s ego. That’s a dude so caught up in his own image, he’s forgotten how to actually be human. And let’s be honest: neither men nor women have time for that facade. It’s fake, and it’s boring.

So, let’s throw out this ancient, outdated crap about “men don’t cry.” Men who refuse to show their emotions are like cheap cologne—overpowering, outdated, and everyone wishes they’d just disappear. Crying is healthy, it’s an outlet, and it’s necessary. It’s also a sign that you’re alive and capable of feeling. A man who can cry at a sad movie, a heartbreaking song, or even the national anthem—yeah, he’s a man who’s comfortable enough in his own skin to show it all, without giving a damn about what anyone else thinks.

And the men who mock other men for crying? Those are the scared little boys, desperately clinging to an outdated idea of what it means to be “strong.” They’re the ones who are too afraid to face themselves, too afraid to admit that sometimes, life hits hard and it’s okay to feel it. You know what’s actually weak? Pretending you’re invincible while you crumble inside.

So, if you’ve been holding back those tears, it’s time to let them flow. Crying is not only an essential part of being human; it’s a sign of living fully, embracing every part of life, and being available—truly available—for your partner. And that’s the kind of man the world needs more of.

  1. The “Movie Tear-Jerker” Cry

    • Find a movie that gets you every time. Maybe it’s Field of Dreams when they play catch, or The Green Mile (you know the scene). Watch it alone, or with your partner, and when the tears start rolling, let ‘em come. No shame—bonus points if you reach for the tissues and sigh, “Damn allergies.”

  2. The “National Anthem Gets Me Every Time” Cry

    • You’re at the game, the anthem starts, and you feel that lump in your throat. Let it out. Real men aren’t afraid to tear up over the country they love. And if someone tries to say anything, just nod solemnly and say, “That’s what freedom feels like.”

  3. The “I Just Hit My Toe on the Coffee Table” Cry

    • You stub your toe—hard. That’s your cue. It’s the perfect excuse to let out all the pent-up frustration from the week. Yell, curse, let a tear slip, and then limp around like the warrior you are. Who knew furniture could be such an emotional release?

  4. The “Song That Hits You Right in the Feels” Cry

    • We all have that one song—the one that brings back memories, both good and bad. Crank it up, let it play, and when it hits that crescendo, close your eyes and feel it. Tears rolling down your face as the chorus swells? That’s poetry. That’s life.

  5. The “Out of Nowhere” Cry

    • This one’s spontaneous. Maybe you’re in the grocery store and you see an elderly couple holding hands. Maybe you’re watching a sunset alone, and it just hits. These are the best cries—the ones you didn’t expect. Embrace it. Own it. Let those tears flow right there in the produce aisle if you have to. Because that’s what it means to be human, to feel deeply and fully.

There you have it. Real men cry, and they cry like it matters—because it does. Don’t be the guy who hides behind ego and image. Be the guy who shows up, who’s real, and who knows that vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s the foundation of true strength. The world’s got enough stone-faced warriors pretending they don’t feel. What we need are more men who know the power of their own emotions and aren’t afraid to let them out. So, go ahead—cry like a man. You’ll be better for it.

Read the original on gregshindler.substack.com

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