The Most Ridiculous Things “Real Men” Can’t Do

Toxic masculinity hurts everyone. The idea that certain things are “unmanly,” so men must avoid them, permeates our culture. 

Here are some of the most ridiculous things we’ve heard that “Real Men” avoid. 

But First – A Disclaimer

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The list of “unmanly” activities is ever-growing and constantly morphing. What was manly today may not be manly tomorrow, and it often depends on who you’re speaking with. Most of the items on the list drip with homophobia and misogyny.

The truth is anyone who identifies as a man is a real man. Real men can like what they want and be attracted to whomever they want. Your likes, profession, hobbies, and sexuality don’t determine your manhood. 

Enjoy the list for what it is, a ridiculous portrayal of toxic masculinity in action. Enjoy the items proudly, secure in your manhood. 

Real Men Don’t…

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Now that that’s out of the way, here’s the list of ridiculous things “real men” can’t do. 

Cook

Man in the kitchen wearing an apron cooking. He's lifting the lid off a steaming pot to check on the dish.
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Clearly, real men, like the most famous chefs in the world, must avoid the kitchen at all costs. Cooking is too “feminine” for men unless they’re getting paid to do it. 

Use Coupons

Scissors laying on coupons
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Real men pay full price. You must give up your man card if you’ve ever used a coupon for a discount. 

Read Instructions

A man sits in the corner reading the instruction manual for something he's building.
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A real man automatically knows how to put anything ever created together. It’s an innate ability. Reading the instructions is tantamount to admitting you’re not a man. 

Enjoy Creamer

Pouring creamer into a cup of coffee.
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Men are only allowed to enjoy the bitter flavor of unsweetened coffee. Men who enjoy sweet flavors like cream and sugar aren’t real men. 

Wash Themselves

A man washing himself in the shower.
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Far too many men have weird hangups about washing their own bodies. They refuse to wash their unmentionables for fear that they might make them question their sexuality. We live in a strange world. 

Say Good Morning

Mad upset man crossing his arms wearing business clothes.
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Apparently, a man saying “good morning” to another man is an invitation rather than a casual greeting. Real men must avoid this at all costs. 

Travel in Comfort

traveler who is dressed for a flight is making the begging signs with his hands.
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Despite modern conveniences, a real man must bear all the burdens of travel to prove he’s worthy of the journey. Some think men should avoid roller suitcases and neck pillows because these incredible inventions that make travel easier are unmanly. 

Protect their Skin

Sad unsure man scratching his head and doubting himself.
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Men don’t need sunscreen. A real man would rather risk cancer than be caught slathering his skin with lotion. 

Drink Tea

Man holding wooden tray carrying tea under a cherry blossom branch.
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The English will be sad to learn that a real man can’t drink tea. Apparently, the only warm drink men are allowed to enjoy is black coffee. 

Order Dessert

A mouthwatering assortment of pastries and baked desserts.
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There’s some weird stigma about men and sweet things. Real Men can’t have dessert; it’s too sweet for their bitter hearts. Men also can’t enjoy fruity cocktails, fancy coffee drinks, chocolates, or carbs for breakfast. 

Ask Directions

A lost looking man holds his hat on his head and examines a map.
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Men are born with an epic sense of direction. A man always knows where he is at all times and never uses a map or GPS to help him navigate. Asking for directions is the ultimate strike against your manhood. 

Have Cats

A man sits on a couch and lean towards his pet cat, who's leaning towards him.
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Dogs are masculine; cats are feminine. Any man who prefers the company of cats to dogs isn’t a real man. 

Cry

Man making a sad face who looks pitiful on an orange background.
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The pervasive idea that men shouldn’t cry is one of the worst aspects of toxic masculinity. And it’s not just crying that’s frowned upon. Men aren’t allowed to show any emotion unless it’s anger. Therefore, they bottle everything up and eventually burst into shocking fits of rage. 

It’s okay to cry. Let it all out fellows!

Time Flies – Savor Every Moment

sand running through an hourglass to represent quotes about time.
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They often say time flies, and that’s true. We’re often so busy we don’t even notice the days and years slip away. 

Yes Time Flies – But Here’s How To Savor Every Moment

What’s an Empath?

Woman with her hand on her chin with a thinking look on her face.
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Empaths can read other people’s emotions. Find out how it works and whether you may have some empathic abilities! 

Learn More: Experts Reveal Top Signs of an Empath

Achieve Financial Independence with Stress Free Part Time Work

Happy attractive barista serving a coffee drink to represent Barista Fire
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Wouldn’t it be great if you could work part time at an easy, stress free job you love? Barista Fire is the path to financial independence that lets you do just that!

What’s Chaotic Neutral?

Close up of a woman with a serious face holding a piece of popcorn in her hand like she's about to eat it. It looks like she's immersed in the drama of whatever she's watching.
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Our favorite characters in film and shows tend to lean toward the chaotic. Find out why we love this character archetype so much!

Bored? Try Drawing!

person drawing flowers with pastels
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Drawing is a great way to pass some time. You don’t have to be good at it either! Here are 101 fun things to draw when you’re bored
 

Source: Reddit