Member-only story
“i’ve gotta get some fucking friends.”
i’ve jokingly been saying this to myself and my partner, quoting one of my favorite movies, i love you, man.
paul rudd’s character is the epitome of the new age sensitive guy. his sweet, caring approach to life has landed him a solid career and a beautiful partner, but it’s clear that something’s off.
he has no guy friends. he has rejected traditional masculinity and in doing so chosen to walk a lonely road.
but here’s the thing: men are not alone on this road.
a question on r/AskReddit made me realize how many men are struggling with this same issue. it helped me see just how many men are walking this road, feeling alone, afraid, and deeply ashamed.
men aren’t really alone. they just aren’t talking about it. they aren’t connecting and deciding to walk this road together. the patriarchy doesn’t let them.
trapped by the taboo of wanting deep connection and the shame our patriarchal society dumps on men that don’t accept traditional masculine values, men are left feeling disconnected and alienated.
what they don’t realize is that millions of men are feeling this way, and a modern masculinity movement is growing. one that will uproot the patriarchy and create a world where everyone can explore what it means to become fully human.
feeling alone on my journey and resonating with the comments shared by strangers, i wrote this poem:
sad
hurting
aching
lonely
a simple question on reddit
felt like looking in the mirror
i’m not alone
men are in crisis
without connection
their lives have lost meaning
their spirits dwindled
endless comments
the sentiment the same
