Johann Hunt
Growing up, many Gen X boys were handed a set of unspoken rules about what it meant to be a man. These boys were raised to appear tough, resilient, unshakable, and self-sufficient. But as adulthood unfolded, those “rules” began to disclose their consequences. They show how flawed those teachings truly were. Here are ten of them.
Men Don’t Cry
Tears were seen as trouble, so emotions stayed locked away. Boys learned to bite back pain and wear toughness like armor. But holding everything in only made the silence heavier. A single tear was never the problemâit was being told not to shed it.
You Must Be The Provider
For years, being a man meant carrying the financial weight of a household. Yet, that belief ignored emotional contribution and partnership. True providing is about presence and shared responsibility. A man who nurtures and supports beyond income gives more than any paycheck could.
Never Ask For Help
Independence was glorified, but it came with a costâsilence. Many grew up believing that seeking help made them less capable. In reality, asking for help shows self-awareness and courage. No one thrives alone, and strength means knowing when to lean on others.
Boys Will Be Boys
That phrase was used to excuse bad behavior and protect immaturity. Not considering that boys grow into men who shape others’ lives, and actions have consequences. Gen X should know that responsibility and empathy don’t erase masculinityâthey only increase it. Letting “boys be boys” only holds them back from becoming better men.
Sensitivity Makes You A Target
The moment sensitive emotions showed, the jokes began. To survive, many masked pain with pride. But that silence aged into distance and confusion. What once seemed like protection only created a gap where connection couldâve grown.
Success Means A High-Paying Job
Many men once believed success lived inside corner offices and big salaries. The race for money felt like proof of worth. Yet, when the dust of chasing faded, questions lingered. What if success isnât about wealth at all but about feeling alive in what you do?
Dolls Are For Girls
A small sentence with a big consequence. It made pretend play seem like a boundary line, dividing care from courage. The message lingered long after childhood ended by turning simple acts of affection into something questioned rather than understood.
Pick One Career And Stick With It
âPick One Career And Stick With Itâ sounded like a solid plan years ago. The idea promised security and pride. However, as the world evolved, new doors opened. Boys found out that staying in one lane too long now feels less like loyalty and more like missing out on what could be.
Spanking Builds Character
Some believed punishment taught lessons words couldn’t. The phrase spanking builds character was often used to justify it. Unfortunately, what it really created was quiet children who followed rules without grasping the reason behind them.
Casual Intercourse Equals Status
For many boys, intercourse once seemed like a scoreboard. The more numbers added, the more power it was meant to show. That still did not make the pride last. Each encounter without real care only made the next one feel emptier and harder to celebrate.