35 Men Were Asked What They Think Is An Obvious Sign That A Man Is Insecure Of Himself And The Answers Will Enlighten You

"No, sweetie you don't understand. Toxic masculinity is when..."

Chelsi

• Published in Interesting
• November 19, 2021

"Boys will be boys" is a phrase often used by people to excuse unacceptable behaviors of men. But lately people have been more vigilant in calling out traditional, macho behaviors that are perceived as negative.

These behaviors that perpetuate stereotypes that men should behave a certain way or they are seen as less than is called toxic masculinity. It boxes men into a category and if they step out of the line a little, they are ridiculed and 'othered'.

This kind of thinking is very harmful for everyone and though they may not see it immediately, it has a negative effect on men. Such typical 'macho' behavior is also a good sign that a man is projecting his insecurities to you.

If someone belittles another man for crying or showing emotions, it's highly likely that this person is uncomfortable and incapable of showing his vulnerabilities. Therefore, instead of reflecting on his own inability to be emotional, it's easier to label someone as something you consider less than you.

These insecure behaviors were the recent topic in a popular Reddit group called r/AskMen. Reddit user u/unculturedswine420 asked: What is a tell-tale sign that a man is insecure about his masculinity or himself in general?

He got the idea for the question when he encountered a tank-top wearing dude get out of a loud, lifted truck with a decal at the back that reads, "Lions Not Sheep." The discussion in answer to his question was an awakening, to say the least.

You can read some of the more popular answers here. If the answers make you think about a man in your life, it's a good indicator that he's probably insecure.

1. If you have to say it out loud for people to know, then you're probably not an 'alpha'

2. Homophobia is not a good look on anyone

3. Fellas, your SO can wear whatever they want. They don't dress up for you and anybody else.

4. This kind of guy probably thinks his wife can't have a higher income than him

5. I have to be the best! Thump my chest!

6. You looked at me wrong, bro

7. I am man, hear me roar

8. Men like these get so red in the face when trying to prove they know more than you

9. Honestly, when they do this, they look like a toddler trying to hold in a poop

10. Do you even lift, bro?

11. All those Greek letters

12. People living the life they want to live is not 'manly'

13. I AM TALKING VERY LOUDLY BECAUSE I AM RIGHT

14. Again with all these labels

15. "This is how you should do your job." - this kind of guy probably

16. When you give someone a little power and they abuse it

17. This is also an indicator of abusive behavior

18. There's no need to brag and it's iffy talking about how much sex you have

19. Ka-ra-tay

20. The guy who peaked in high school

21. The fake motivational posters that only succeed in telling other people that they should stay away from you

22. So shallow

23. If the only way you can lift yourself is by pushing others down then you are not really succeeding

24. Color doesn't have a gender and neither does scent

25. Only high fives, no homo

26. Or referring to themselves in third person

27. This one!

28. Puff up your chest and square your shoulders. Also, walk like there's a motorcycle between your legs. Be Gaston.

29. The lad doth protest too much

30. Want me to beat up that random stranger? Because I can take him, wanna see?

31. Reaffirm my faith that I am a male man guy

32. Check out these guns and I only drink beer

33. Don't be like this

34. My opinion of myself is tied to the opinions of others about my body and my gameplay. RAAAWR!

35. Boys, is it gay to feed yourself?

It's worth reading the other answers that didn't make it to this list. It was eye-opening and everyone should read it.

After reading it, it's not a bad idea to do a little self reflecting and evaluate if you behave in some of those ways. It's never too late to change toxic behaviors!

It will probably make your relationships with the people you love more meaningful and real. Hey, if we missed any red flags of someone who's insecure of their masculinity, let us know in the comments!

Chelsi