Why men struggle to express their feelings.

Stereotypes about men struggling to verbalize their feelings may hold some truth, as research indicates many men are nervous about appearing weak. A survey of 1,000 men found that 19% find it easier to reveal their emotions in writing than in person.

Men have difficulty expressing their feelings but tend to feel more comfortable with their partners. Fear of embarrassment (42%), feeling embarrassed (39%), and nervousness about appearing weak (30%) are among the main reasons for this.

The survey also found that partners are the people men feel most comfortable opening up to, while parents and colleagues are the hardest to have meaningful conversations with. The top reasons men have difficulty opening up to their fathers include “the fact that he doesn’t express his feelings to me” (42%) and “we’ve never had a deep, meaningful conversation before” (42%).

Men can find it difficult to open up because society has conditioned them to believe that vulnerability is a sign of weakness. However, embracing vulnerability is a courageous act that can lead to authentic connections and emotional well-being. Sometimes, the simplest gesture – a card full of love, appreciation, and understanding – can become a gateway to crucial conversations, especially for parents who may have difficulty opening up.

Other reasons men don’t want to express their feelings include being seen as a burden (26%) or being ridiculed (19%). Almost one in four (23%) fear they will not be able to adequately articulate their emotions by speaking out loud. Almost four in 10 (39%) admit that if they expressed their feelings to another man, it would make them feel “weak.”

What’s on Men’s Minds

The number one topic men wanted to open up about was mental health, followed by physical health issues and feelings of loneliness. Other concerns include financial worries, physical insecurities, and handling situations when someone hurts them.

Three-quarters of those interviewed via OnePoll consider it important for men to have spaces where they can express their feelings without judgment. Meanwhile, a third (34%) were not surprised to learn that suicide is the biggest cause of death in men under 50, but 58% are unaware of any charities they can turn to for support if they need it.

Luke Ambler, co-founder and president of Andy’s Man Club, encourages men to find a local support group or get involved in the conversation online using #ANDYSMANCLUB. He added, “For men, opening up can be like coming into unknown territory, but it is in these moments of vulnerability that true growth and connection occur. When men allow themselves to feel and express their emotions, they can discover a new sense of freedom and inner peace. To encourage more men to open up – regardless of how comfortable they feel – more safe spaces are needed where men can start to explore this.”