To me, men had to be a lot tougher in previous decades and centuries.
The Sparta, for instance, were madmen. They despised weakness and cowardice, and if weakness and cowardice were demonstrated back in their time, you'd be shamed profoundly for it.
They didn't permit crying nor complaining, nor did they particular care if you were sick or cold or wounded. You were instructed to fight through pain and discomfort no matter what. Being weak simply was not an option.
A lot of men these days wouldn't make it back in their time period. As much as possible I try to embody their way of thinking.
Since being PC is preferred nowadays and since women have more say in things, men have become more feelings-oriented. They have become more introspective and caring, etc. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, however. Keep that in mind.