Here’s a truth bomb: Men who belittle their feelings are going to end up depressed, anxious, even sick and not because of an emotional issue. The masculinity playbook that dictated strength and dominance is being dismantled by a new generation of men who demand more: more connection, more genuine, and more substance.
Masculinity these days isn’t about who benches the most or who has the hardest upper lip. It’s about showing up as your real self, building healthy relationships, and owning your story even the messy parts. If you’re ready to ditch the outdated scripts and discover what makes a man truly strong, you’re in the right place. These are nine characteristics and habits that progressive men are adopting to redefine what it is to be a man in the modern era.
1. Adopting Emotional Expression as a Superpower
Throw away the myth that men don’t cry. Suppressing emotions can result in chronic stress, anxiety, and even physical illness such as high blood pressure and compromised immunity (chronic emotional suppression). Increasingly, men are learning that it’s alright to be truthful about their feelings it’s not weakness, it’s strength. Writing for Insightful Matters, the authors write, “True strength lies in vulnerability and that encouraging emotional expression is key to fostering well-being”.
The ROI is mind-bending: less stress, more satisfying relationships, and more self-awareness. Even a mundane activity like grumbling to your friend or your therapist can change you. And sure, it’s fine to cry science demonstrates that it can calm pain in a moment and improve your mood.
2. Letting Go of Toxic Masculinity and Stale Stereotypes
Toxic masculinity is not just a buzzword it’s a cluster of behaviors that force men to be unfeeling, controlling, and violent. These characteristics are associated with everything from bad mental health to shattered relationships and even aggression. The silver lining? Men today are turning the tables on sexism by speaking out against it, battling for parity, and refusing to be tied down by outdated stereotypes.
As Michael Kimmel, the founder of the Center for the Study of Men and Masculinities, describes it, new masculinity is all about “crushing any kind of weakness” and then understanding that isn’t healthy or feasible (Verywell Mind). By practicing empathy, respect, and emotional intelligence, men are building a culture where everyone regardless of gender can flourish.
3. Focusing on Mental Health and Asking for Help
Men have been advised to man up and tough it out for decades. But the reality is stark: Men are less likely to receive mental health treatment, and that translates into more depression, addiction, and suicide (Health.com). But things are changing. Movements like Movember and CALM are getting it cool and acceptable to discuss their mental health.
Therapy is not only for emergency use; it is a self-therapy tool. As psychotherapist Chris Rolls sums it up, “Seeking help and talking about our emotions is not a sign of weakness, but rather an act of courage and strength”. Whether professional therapy, group texts, or honest talk with friends, contemporary masculinity entails keeping one’s mental health as a high priority.
4. Creating Respectful, Inclusive Relationships
Those days are gone when respect was only for those elite individuals. Now, men know that respecting women, LGBTQ+, and individuals of all kinds is no choice it’s a requirement. It includes hearing them without judgment, promoting equality, and challenging toxic behaviour when seen.
Today’s men are also learning to release control needs. They’re okay with women taking the lead, appreciate the breadth of thinking, and recognize that power is less about controlling than about collaboration. As the lead article indicates, “A true man no longer needs to be the center of attention or have control over others.”
5. The Acceptance of Vulnerability and Honesty
Vulnerability isn’t about touching your feelings and broadcasting them to the universe it’s about being yourself, all of you, flaws and all. That’s terrifying, particularly in a society that’s taught men to stay stiff and hide their vulnerable side. But as Chris Rolls puts it, “When we embrace vulnerability, we unlock a profound source of personal growth and connection”.
Being true to oneself involves owning up when you get it wrong, seeking help, and allowing other people to know you for who you really are. It is about dropping the facade and establishing genuine, meaningful relationships for self, in the workplace, and as a friend.
6. Redefining Strength: From Stoicism to Emotional Intelligence
Historically, the notion of strength was purely physical and emotional control. Current men, on the other hand, understand that strength is really emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and durability. The MANTORSHIFT Institute research reached the conclusion that the loftiest qualities of emerging masculinity are empathy, authenticity, and inclusiveness.
Emotional intelligence is knowing your own emotions, being effective at reading others, and reacting with compassion. It’s a trait that enriches relationships, boosts professional achievement, and contributes to a more satisfying life. As the front-page article reads, “He listens and wants to know more, but no matter what he learns, he never thinks he’s the smartest person in the room.”
7. Modelling Healthy Masculinity for the Next Generation
Boys must be raised. Teaching young men that it’s healthy to feel, to ask for help, and to decline toxic stereotypes will help shatter the cycle of toxic masculinity (Verywell Mind). That requires fathers, teachers, and mentors to model vulnerability, empathy, and respect.
Dr. Stephanie Coontz, a gender and family studies historian, speaks about, “By breaking with traditional gender roles and modeling diverse and inclusive role models, we can create an environment in which boys feel valued, supported, and free to explore their full range of emotions”.
8. Building Healthy Male Friendships
Male friendships used to be defined by status and competition, but not anymore. New men are forging friendships based on trust, peer support, and emotional truth-telling. This new model is creating space for men to discuss woes, bask in victories, and show up for each other without judgment.
From men’s circles to group texts, these bonds are making men less lonely and more self-assured. The pay-off? Improved mental health and the feeling of belonging that has been lacking for far too long.
9. Emphasizing Self-Care and Wholistic Health
Self-care is not a fad; self-care is essential. New masculinity is about caring for your body, mind, and relationships. This involves exercise regularly, nourishing your body, and making time to rest and reflect. But it also involves seeking help when you need it and spending time in developing yourself.
As retired footballer and actor Vinnie Jones succinctly explains: “It’s not about becoming some ideal that doesn’t exist, but about embracing your own journey and feeling comfortable in your own skin. Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health.”
Contemporary masculinity is not about checking boxes it’s about breaking free from them. Through vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and being truly connected, men are redefining what it means to be strong. The future of masculinity is inclusive, empathetic, and humanly deep and that’s worth celebrating.
