35 Men Were Asked What They Think Is An Obvious Sign That A Man Is Insecure Of Himself And The Answers Will Enlighten You
"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'
jhope712. Homophobia is not a good look on anyone
Error-293. Fellas, your SO can wear whatever they want. They don't dress up for you and anybody else.
Darth_Xenic4. This kind of guy probably thinks his wife can't have a higher income than him
w1987g5. I have to be the best! Thump my chest!
The_Obi-Wan6. You looked at me wrong, bro
Tundur7. I am man, hear me roar
TheBookOfSeil
8. Men like these get so red in the face when trying to prove they know more than you
Beccaaaaaalolz
9. Honestly, when they do this, they look like a toddler trying to hold in a poop
J8766557
10. Do you even lift, bro?
Vega3gx
11. All those Greek letters
idc55342
12. People living the life they want to live is not 'manly'
TurtleChickenFart
13. I AM TALKING VERY LOUDLY BECAUSE I AM RIGHT
DevilOuttaSpace
14. Again with all these labels
Nickolai808
15. "This is how you should do your job." - this kind of guy probably
bayswimmer23
16. When you give someone a little power and they abuse it
eleazar1997
17. This is also an indicator of abusive behavior
littlegreenrock
18. There's no need to brag and it's iffy talking about how much sex you have
vidrenz
19. Ka-ra-tay
Retro_Riven
20. The guy who peaked in high school
weasel999
21. The fake motivational posters that only succeed in telling other people that they should stay away from you
dimdimthelesser
22. So shallow
Comfortable_Storm_59
23. If the only way you can lift yourself is by pushing others down then you are not really succeeding
Duffy1978
24. Color doesn't have a gender and neither does scent
ArchangelDeltius
25. Only high fives, no homo
riripaanda
26. Or referring to themselves in third person
FaberGrad
27. This one!
trumpstinydick666
28. Puff up your chest and square your shoulders. Also, walk like there's a motorcycle between your legs. Be Gaston.
ryanb450
29. The lad doth protest too much
Plebe-Uchiha
30. Want me to beat up that random stranger? Because I can take him, wanna see?
dodojotaro
31. Reaffirm my faith that I am a male man guy
Makivivu
32. Check out these guns and I only drink beer
groovy604
33. Don't be like this
erika513
34. My opinion of myself is tied to the opinions of others about my body and my gameplay. RAAAWR!
unknown
35. Boys, is it gay to feed yourself?
JasonP_
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!
