Why do men avoid/find difficult to talk about their emotional problems?

Question

Men who have had emotional problems find it difficult to talk about this, even to people they love. Why is this? What is the best way to deal with a man who behaves in this way?

Answer 1

from a girl's point of view, most men do not like to look or seem vulnerable and weak to a female. like it or not, they like to be the stronger gender.

and usually it takes a longer time for a man to open his his emotions to anyone or his partner. i guess it requires total trust and knowing he can count on you.

open a shoulder for him, or at least let him know that it's always available to him. be sensitive to his reactions and moods, one day he might just pour it out on you.. even if it could be when he's extremely mad one day.

Answer 2

I think it all comes down to social conditioning; it's not acceptable for men to be emotional (although it is becoming more acceptable). It is a case of nature v nurture in that some behaviour is learnt and some is inbuilt. The best way to behave with a man who has emotional problems and finds it difficult to talk about them, is to let him know that you are always there if and when he ever needs to talk about it. You could ask him to attend a couples councelling session (although this will probably be his worst nightmare).

Answer 3

Not all men do, but a majority do have problems talking about their emotional problems and showing their emotions.
I suppose it's considered by men to be "unmanly" to show emotion etc. I don't care about such things, if I'm upset or unhappy then I just let go and cry. I don't care what other men think.

Answer 4

Men are masculine beings. The reason men don't discuss their problems is because, discussing problems presents some one 'esle' with the obstacle of solving it. And if any one else solves their problem, they beleive themselves to be less masculine than the problem solver. (This is why mostly WOMEN complain about their husband's secrecy) and why men don't pull over at gas stations for directions. "Im the most masculine and I can solve it myself!"

-What a pleasant gift for the world's kings that men do not think!-

-Al Yung Frost-

Hope I helped!
-Alex

Answer 5

Well, I do agree that men talk to other friends about their problems more than their girlfrinds but it has nothing to do with him caring about you. Most of the time the problems that we have are with our girlfriends/wife. Friends also are usually less judgemental about things and will not throw it back in our face during an argument.

Answer 6

We are programmed to block certain emotions. We cant appear to be weak, its not in our job description. We would sooner supress any emotional stuff rather than talk about it. Its just the way most of us men are.

Answer 7

I'm a man and I act the same way.
Its our egos.
Men feel like they have to be strong.
Talking about problems makes them feel weak and insecure.

Answer 8

Sharing your feeling takes alot of trust because the person you tell could embarass you by telling others your secrets. This is possibly the worst thing you could do to a man. Sadly I don't have anyone I trust that much.

Answer 9

telling someone your emotional problems makes you look weak. How does lowering your self esteem supposed to make you feel better?

Answer 10

Just let your fella know that anytime he wants to talk about anything, you'll always be there for him. Pestering him into opening up to you will only backfire and lead him to being less willing to open up to you.