Societal Expectations on Men: Do You Meet Them?

Have you ever pondered over what society expects from men? Many would argue that these expectations can be quite vague and often contradictory, leading many men to conclude that they either do not know what those expectations are or simply do not care.

The Vagueness of Expectations

As Romanian rightly pointed out, 'I have no clue and I really don’t care!' Many men share this viewpoint, dismissing societal expectations as irrelevant or unimportant. This indifference can lead to a disconnect between what society expects of men and what men actually embody in their personal and professional lives.

Focusing on Personal Relationships

While societal expectations may be nebulous, personal relationships often have clear expectations. For instance, when it comes to understanding and meeting the expectations of one’s partner, the picture becomes much more defined. As Romanian mentioned, 'If you were to ask what does my wife expect from me and how do I meet her expectations, that is a totally different discussion, and in this case I do care.'

Balancing Societal and Personal Responsibilities

It is important to strike a balance between meeting societal expectations and fulfilling the responsibilities you have within your family. As Romanian pointed out, 'As long as me and my wife are happy with each other and we are a fully functioning family, I don’t really care what kind of man society wants me to be nor how close I am to meeting those demands!' This highlights the importance of prioritizing relationships and personal well-being.

Blurring Lines Between Gender Roles

To add depth to the discussion, let's delve into the expectations that modern society places on men. Generally, men are expected to work, pay taxes, and comply with laws. It appears that the majority of men meet these expectations, seamlessly balancing work and personal life.

Emotional Expectations and Gender Dynamics

While financial responsibility and legal compliance are concrete expectations, emotional and relational expectations often blur the lines between men and women. Men frequently struggle with dealing with emotional situations and women’s emotions. According to Romanian, 'Men do not like to deal with all the emotional situations and do not know how to deal with the women’s emotions. On the other hand, women cannot understand why men do not get it.'

The Marriage Equation

The marriage dynamic is a mix of expectations. Both parties are expected to contribute to the daily life of the household and support each other. A husband’s role includes being a provider and being actively involved in the family, whereas a wife’s role includes understanding and appreciating her husband’s efforts. However, as Romanian pointed out, 'Women get mad if the husband is too busy with his own kids, and they think the husband is their kids too. Men think he is the provider and doing what he supposed to do and it’s enough.'

Growing into the Role

Over time, some men begin to prioritize their own immediate needs and happiness over the well-being of their families. Many women express concerns that their husbands have a tendency to think of themselves first, especially after many years of marriage. Some state that their husbands think about having a good time on the weekend and do not consider their wives as part of their lives.

Conclusion

Men's societal roles and familial responsibilities are complex and multifaceted. While it is important to meet societal expectations, it is equally important to maintain a balance within your personal life and family. Understanding and fulfilling your specific role within your family is crucial for a thriving and harmonious relationship.