Feeling Masculine: Exploring What Defines Manliness

Exploring what makes a man feel manly can vary widely from one individual to another. This exploration often involves a mix of social, emotional, and physical attributes that contribute to a sense of masculine identity. Through personal experiences and observations, we can extract key insights on what truly enhances a sense of manliness.

Physical and Emotional Certainty

One of the most fundamental aspects of feeling manly is a sense of physical control and emotional security. This can be achieved through actions as simple as helping someone in need, such as the powerful feeling experienced when opening a stubborn jar for a girlfriend who couldn't manage it. Moments like these provide a sense of reassurance, setting a solid foundation for deeper masculine confidence.

Embracing Masculinity in Everyday Choices

Evolving one's masculinity is also seen in making deliberate choices that align with traditional masculine traits. For instance, wearing a bold color like a hot pink t-shirt, despite the reservations from a spouse, can be a bold statement. It indicates a willingness to embrace boldness and individuality, which are integral to masculine identity. Similarly, engaging in dangerous activities like riding a motorbike can provide a sense of confidence and freedom that is deeply tied to the feeling of being a real man.

Opening the Jar of Masculinity

A true test of manliness often lies in the unexpected. For example, a transman might experience a profound sense of manhood when called terms like "sir" or "man." These simple acts of acknowledgment can validate a deeper sense of identity and empowerment. Another surprising touchstone is the ability to perform traditional masculine tasks such as taking out the trash for a parent. These gestures are often underappreciated but carry a weight of certified masculinity.

Magnetic Attraction and Sexual Activity

The pursuit of physical attraction and sexual adventure is a significant aspect of feeling manly. Sexual intimacy, whether with a partner of any gender, can be a powerful affirmation of one's masculine identity. The author emphasizes that having sex and engaging in diverse sexual acts (be it top or bottom) is liberating and fun, contributing to a more fulfilling life.

Building Confidence through Challenges

Facing and overcoming challenges, whether physical or emotional, can be a potent catalyst for feeling manly. For the author, confidence in his ability to trust himself and others is a hallmark of true masculinity. Trust in a relationship is formidable, and any task that he accomplishes, which his partner cannot, such as opening a jar, solidifies his role as a man and enhances his sense of self.

Conclusion

In conclusion, feeling manly is a multifaceted concept that encompasses a range of personal experiences, choices, and perceptions. From embracing traditional masculine behaviors to finding new and unexpected ways to assert one's identity, the journey to feeling like a man is deeply individual and deeply personal. By embracing the full spectrum of experiences, one can cultivate a robust sense of manliness that is both authentic and fulfilling.