Masculinity is going to mean something different to almost every individual.
I grew up with a career driven mother who was awarded custody. As you can imagine, I later ended up having to do some self reevaluation.
One of the last things my mother told me before her passing was saying “son you are sounding a lot like your father.” She did not mean that as a compliment at all. But I took it as one and wear it like a badge of honor.
although I think masculinity can be subjective, here’s what works for me. Instead of seeking approval of peers or of women, I decided what mattered was how I felt about myself at the end of the day.
By being true to oneself, sometimes we lose friends and sometimes opportunities with women along the way. However, if we respect ourselves, then we eventually attract higher quality women and more solid friends.
When personally going through it this transformation, I noticed one thing in particular. Even when alone, I seldom feel lonely.I could be wrong, but I believe that most people feel loneliness because they prefer to be around others to avoid facing themselves.
When you like, respect, and become comfortable with yourself, others will be too.