I love this, Maria. I had a coworker ask me recently why do I say I’m getting “emotional” only in relation to tears? There is a whole gamut of emotions. Some of the most “emotional” people are angry men… but our society values anger and aggression in men and frowns upon crying. I also had a therapist tell me she thinks crying is beautiful bc it means I’m surrendering to being vulnerable, which sounds like exactly what you’re saying. I’ve never seen someone cry and judge them negatively, if anything I think they are brave and I think I am in a state of privilege to be able to witness their true feelings. I’m so glad you made this post and I think we need to have this conversation more and more.
Wondering if "I'm sorry" is gendered speech. How often do we hear it from men? My husband is one of the Good Guys, but I rarely hear him use those words.
Good point! Or perhaps they are conditioned more rigorously from a younger age and therefore do not even begin to show emotion in front of people so there is no need to apologize? 🤨
I love this, Maria. I had a coworker ask me recently why do I say I’m getting “emotional” only in relation to tears? There is a whole gamut of emotions. Some of the most “emotional” people are angry men… but our society values anger and aggression in men and frowns upon crying. I also had a therapist tell me she thinks crying is beautiful bc it means I’m surrendering to being vulnerable, which sounds like exactly what you’re saying. I’ve never seen someone cry and judge them negatively, if anything I think they are brave and I think I am in a state of privilege to be able to witness their true feelings. I’m so glad you made this post and I think we need to have this conversation more and more.
Your therapist is so wise 💯
Wondering if "I'm sorry" is gendered speech. How often do we hear it from men? My husband is one of the Good Guys, but I rarely hear him use those words.
Good point! Or perhaps they are conditioned more rigorously from a younger age and therefore do not even begin to show emotion in front of people so there is no need to apologize? 🤨