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Reaction paper chapter 9

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31 views2 pages

Reaction paper chapter 9

Uploaded by

simon.nazmifar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The lecture on masculine and feminine intimacy styles has made me reflect on how gender roles

and societal norms have shaped my communication patterns and relationships. Growing up, I

could often feel the expectations placed upon me by forms of masculinity dictating how I was

allowed to express my emotions and connect with others. In fact, in my household, emotional

vulnerability was seldom welcomed or encouraged among men. Feelings were seldom discussed;

instead, shared activities like house repairs and watching sports took their place. At the time, I

genuinely felt this was the only way males could be close to one another: through action, not

words.

This dynamic became even clearer during my friendships with both male and female peers. I

only had shallow conversations with male friends, and there was some unwritten rule never to let

openness arise between us emotionally. I can only recall one close friend who talked about a

tough breakup; this went for less than a minute and was changed to a conversation about a soccer

match. I wanted to offer support, but I didn't feel comfortable initiating a deeper conversation,

fearing that might break the unspoken code of masculinity. This hesitation to connect on an

emotional level was something I later realized was rooted in societal expectations of how men

should behave.

My female friends, in turn, created a lot of space for vulnerability and the sharing of feelings.

They would encourage me to share my feelings, which felt so unfamiliar yet so rewarding. These

experiences have helped me understand the asymmetry of intimacy styles spoken about in the

lecture. I was able to observe how these cultural norms have capped the intimacy with my male

friends and how such a balance might allow one to enhance his relationships.

The lecture also made me reflect on how these dynamics play out in professional settings.

Somebody like me, negotiating a diverse workplace, has seen how women at times feel pressured
into adopting traditionally masculine traits, such as assertiveness or emotional restraint, to fit in.

This tension between public and private selves echoes my own struggles with intimacy styles,

bringing into sharp focus the pervasive influence of gender roles on how we communicate and

connect with others.

Reflecting on these experiences has helped me recognize the importance of breaking free from

rigid norms and embracing a more authentic approach to intimacy. Whether through emotional

sharing or shared activities, I strive to build relationships that are meaningful and balanced,

regardless of gender expectations.

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