I dislike the societal expectation that men should always be the ones to initiate romantic interactions. Whether it's approaching a woman to start a conversation or asking her out on a date, there's a lot of pressure on men to make the first move. This can be especially frustrating when dating apps like Bumble try to reverse this dynamic by encouraging women to initiate conversations, but in my experience, that just leads to a lot of unresponsive "hey" messages. I think it would be nice if there was more equality in the dating game, where both men and women felt comfortable making the first move and not being judged for it.

One thing that I dislike about being a man is the fact that I am bald. I used to have a head of hair that I enjoyed running my fingers through, but now that it's gone, I miss those simple pleasures. When I was a teenager, I grew my hair out because I knew that I would eventually lose it. I miss the feeling of wind blowing through my hair, the sensation of playing with it, and even the slight protection it provided against bumps and scrapes. Additionally, I miss the way my hair acted as a natural cooling system, preventing sweat from pouring down my face. Cabinets are a constant thorn in my side since my bald head is more prone to scrapes.

One thing that I dislike about being a man is the feeling of invisibility. While it can be an advantage in some situations, such as being able to go about my day without interruption, it can also be isolating. Nobody acknowledges my existence or asks how I am doing, and if I have problems, I have to deal with them on my own. This can be mentally draining and demotivating at times. I often feel starved for positive attention, not just from women, but from anyone. The last time I received a compliment about my appearance was from my grandmother, over 15 years ago, and I believe she was drunk at the time. I talked about this with my wife a few years ago, and she found it sad and strange. Since then, she has made a point to give positive feedback to her coworkers. The first time she did it, one of her closest coworkers was taken aback, as he couldn't remember the last time someone had said something positive to him

The fact that I can unintentionally intimidate or scare others, particularly women and children. I remember a specific instance where I was waiting in my car for my wife and the person in the car next to me quickly got into their car and locked the doors upon seeing me. It made me realize that my appearance or actions might be perceived as threatening, and it's not a good feeling to know that I might have made someone feel unsafe. It's a reminder that I need to be aware of my surroundings and how I might be perceived by others.

The societal perception that men who show an interest in children must have nefarious intentions. I genuinely adore children and enjoy spending time with them, whether it's playing games, reading stories or simply listening to their thoughts and ideas. However, because of the negative stereotype, I often feel hesitant to express my love for children and even avoid situations where I might be seen as babysitting or playing with them. It's frustrating because my intentions are pure and I just want to share my joy and enthusiasm with these innocent and creative beings. It's a constant reminder that as a man, I am not free to express myself in the same way as others.

When people assume that just because I am a man, I am automatically able to do physical labor or am interested in certain things like sports or women. It can be quite insulting and demeaning to be reduced to those stereotypes. On the other hand, I also dislike being perceived as a potential threat to women. I understand that some people may be afraid of me because of my size and appearance, but it is not a feeling that I enjoy experiencing.

I hate the discrimination and exclusion I face as a single father. My son is often left out of social events and activities, such as park meetups or birthday parties, simply because I am a man and do not fit in with the other parents. Despite my role as a loving and devoted father, I am often judged and excluded based on my gender alone. It can be frustrating and disheartening to feel ostracized and dismissed in this way, but I continue to strive to be the best father I can be for my son.

One thing that I struggle with as a man is the discomfort I may inadvertently cause to women when I am out in public, particularly at night. I understand that my physical appearance and societal stereotypes may make them feel uneasy, and it makes me feel bad knowing that my presence may be causing them distress. I can't help but feel like I should say something to alleviate their concerns, but I am aware that my actions may not be perceived in the way I intend and may even make the situation worse. It's a difficult and complex issue to navigate, and it's something that I wish wasn't a reality.

One thing that can be challenging is the constant pressure to maintain a certain demeanor, even in difficult situations. For example, not receiving apologies or compliments can be disappointing and make one feel undervalued. At the same time, it is often expected that men must remain accountable and suppress any anger or vulnerability they may be feeling. These societal expectations can be tough to navigate and often leave one feeling frustrated.

Additionally, constantly feeling sexually aroused can be distracting and overwhelming.

One thing that can be challenging is the constant pressure to maintain a certain demeanor, even in difficult situations. For example, not receiving apologies or compliments can be disappointing and make one feel undervalued. At the same time, it is often expected that men must remain accountable and suppress any anger or vulnerability they may be feeling. These societal expectations can be tough to navigate and often leave one feeling frustrated.

Additionally, constantly feeling sexually aroused can be distracting and overwhelming.