In Harper’s Bazaar, Melanie Hamlett writes, “Toxic masculinity—and the persistent idea that feelings are a ‘female thing’—has left a generation of straight men stranded on emotionally-stunted island, unable to forge intimate relationships with other men.” Therapist and author Dan Griffin has written and spoken extensively about how the rules for being a man in modern American society limit and handcuff men, both straight and gay, especially in terms of their ability to intimately connect with others. At Sex and Relationship Healing and in our affiliated Seeking Integrity Treatment Centers we see this all the time. Men desire a relationship, but their social training in terms of being male pushes them away from (and even causes them to fear) this goal.
Recognizing this, we want to share a trio of resources that can help men (and those who love them) understand and eventually escape the limitations of The Man Box. Please click the links below for some great information.
NPR “Hidden Brain” Podcast — Guys, We Have a Problem: How American Masculinity Creates Lonely Men
Harper’s Bazaar Article — Men Have No Friends and Women Bear the Burden
Dan Griffin’s Book — A Man’s Way Through Relationships: Learning to Love and Be Loved
We hope you will find these links useful as part of your healing journey.