like, if i’m feeling bad but force myself to do something, i usually feel better. how to maintain the usefulness of this advice without presenting it as ‘fuck your feelings’, in that usual arrogant right wing sort of way

  • @cynar
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    99 months ago

    If it’s for yourself, and you know what it actually means to you, just use it. While it’s often derided, from both sides, if it works for you, use it.

    While I’m generally quite egalitarian, I do have some old school feelings about what being a man means. I’m the proverbial tip of the spear. I’m the one who steps up and deals with the problems. It’s also my responsibility to remain capable of that. If that means getting physical or mental health treatment, so be it. “Manning up” is me stepping into that role and mindset. I take on the strain, so that those I care about don’t have to.

    The poem “If”, while dated is a good baseline for what manliness should mean.

    https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46473/if—

    If it helps, the phrase “stepping up” can also work. It’s not as complete as manning up, but still carries the same connotations to others.