After centuries of back-and-forth, the question remains: Do men have it harder than women? The debate has certainly been heard as one-sided, that the answer is no, women have it harder. But who has listened to the rebuttal? Who has fully understood the full story and men’s feelings?

Most men who are depressed, feel as if they can’t tell anybody because they are afraid that they will be made fun of or be taken as vulnerable. This makes anyone feel insecure, and not willing to open up, and causes men to suffer in silence. 

Another way men can feel they have it harder than the opposing gender is by feeling the need to provide. Men traditionally have been seen as the leaders of the household, bringing in most of the income, doing the hard work around the house, and providing for their families. By having what some might call “unreasonable expectations,” men feel as if they have to be strong constantly with no opportunity to be vulnerable or relaxed. 

Men also have no way to connect emotionally, because of the lack of multiple emotional connections and friendships that women traditionally have. Men have no way to share and casually talk about their deep feelings or things that are bothering them.

Men are traditionally the more popular gender to work in ‘harder conditions’ like welding, police officers, construction workers, plumbers, electricians, etc. The risk of danger in men’s traditional jobs is higher than in women’s. 

Offen in divorce, custody, or judicial system cases men are overlooked and women get more assigned custody. Undeserved sexism may eat at men’s self-esteem. 

This is why men have it harder.