Half of men struggle to express their feelings verbally as they fear it will make them appear weak, research finds

It turns out that stereotypes about men struggling to verbalize their feelings may be true, with research showing that many are nervous about appearing weak.

A survey of 1,000 men found that 19% find it easier to reveal their emotions in writing than in person.

Fear of embarrassment (42 percent), feeling embarrassed (39 percent) and nervousness about appearing weak (30 percent) were among the main reasons for this.

It also found that partners are the people men feel most comfortable opening up to, but parents and colleagues are the hardest to have a meaningful conversation with.

The top reasons men have difficulty opening up to their dad include “the fact that he doesn’t express his feelings to me” (42 percent) and the fact that “we’ve never had a deep, meaningful conversation before” ( 42 percent). ).

The research was commissioned by Brandwho teamed up with a male suicide prevention charity ANDY’S MAN’S CLUBto launch an exclusive collection of Father’s Day cards carefully crafted to convey messages of love, appreciation and understanding.

Andrew Dewhirst, senior writer at Hallmark, said: “As millions of people prepare to celebrate father figures across the UK, the calendar date also offers an opportunity to redefine the meaning behind the heartfelt messages we send to dads.

“Men can find it difficult to open up because society has conditioned them to believe that vulnerability is a sign of weakness, which emerged as one of the main reasons for our investigation.

“However, embracing vulnerability is a courageous act that can lead to authentic connections and emotional well-being.

“Sometimes the simplest gesture – a card full of love, appreciation and understanding – can become a gateway to crucial conversations, especially for parents who may have difficulty opening up.”

Other reasons men don’t want to express their feelings include being seen as a burden (26 percent) or being ridiculed (19 percent).

Almost one in four (23 percent) fear they will not be able to adequately articulate their emotions by speaking out loud.

And 13% simply don’t want others to see them cry.

Almost four in 10 (39 percent) admit that if they expressed their feelings to another man it would make them feel “weak”.

But of those who do take it step, 28 percent felt relieved, 25 percent felt better overall and 17 percent were more relaxed.

WHAT IS ON MEN’S MIND

The number one topic men wanted to open up about was mental health, followed by physical health issues and feelings of loneliness.

While others are worried about financial worries, physical insecurities, or how to handle the situation when someone hurts them.

Three-quarters of those interviewed via OnePoll, however, consider it important for men to have spaces where they can express their feelings without judgement.

Meanwhile, a third (34%) were not surprised to learn that suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under 50.

But 58 per cent are unaware of any charities they can turn to for support if they need it.

Luke Ambler, co-founder and president of Andy’s Man Club, through which men can find a local support groupor get involved in the conversation online using #ANDYSMANCLUB, he added: “For men, opening up can be like coming in unknown territory, but it is in these moments of vulnerability that true growth and connection occurs.

“When men allow themselves to feel and express their emotions, they can discover a new sense of freedom and inner peace.

“To encourage more men to open up – regardless of how comfortable they feel – more safe spaces are needed where men can start to explore this.”

Top 10 Reasons Why Men Don’t Like Expressing Their Feelings

1. Feeling strange
2. Not being understood
3. Feeling like a burden
4. Being seen as weak
5. Not articulating things correctly
6. Not wanting sympathy
7. Being ridiculed
8. Someone making me feel ‘weird’ about what I’m feeling
9. I don’t want someone to see me cry
10. Losing friends because of how I feel