Starting at an early age, most men are taught to behave like a so-called "real man." For some men, this image is an easy one to assimilate, given that they are born with that temperament. Such individuals are usually less open about expressing their emotions and affection. On the other hand, there are those who find that such behavior is a constraint on their expression and a obstacle in the path to self-realization.
Social pressures, however, often lead to those individuals being compelled into behaving in a way that does not reflect their true nature. Sometimes this comes out of fear that not acting "manly" enough would be indicative of a character flaw.
This type of imitation is akin to a little boy who secretly tries on his father's suit in the hope of looking like a man. Needless to say, the little boy will look silly, as the suit will be much to big for him.
Every man has his own character traits. Tears from a woman reflect her softness of heart, while a man seen crying is a sign of tenderness. Men who embrace their true identity are real men indeed.
The epitome of masculinity and femininity are few and far between. But there are plenty of men and women who wear their gender in what could be characterized as neutral colors.
A man should be free to paint his life with colors from the feminine side. He should be able to shed tears upon hearing a touching story, display his emotions freely and -- lo and behold -- even show his weaknesses. But still, he is a real man.
Similarly, a woman who shares characteristics which would normally be associated with masculinity -- reserved feelings, an ability to fix a car -- is still a woman.
Men and women who break the chains of social constraints have more freedom and are as a result more complete.
Frances Huang
Kaohsiung
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