We don’t talk about it.

We deflect with jokes.

We bury ourselves in work.

We stay busy. We say we’re fine.

But behind the handshakes and pats on the back, many of us are carrying things we’ve never said aloud.

 

The leading cause of death for men aged 14 to 45 is suicide.

Behind that are thousands more men stewing silently, with grief, pressure, loneliness, pain, terrified of what it might mean to simply say so.

 

Because for too long, we’ve been taught that vulnerability is weakness. That strength means staying silent.

But real strength is knowing you have power, and choosing tenderness instead.

Real masculinity isn’t hard. It’s honest.

 

So I’m starting a new series called “The Quiet Man: Chronicles of Modern-Day Masculinity”.

It’s a weekly reflection. Sometimes raw. Sometimes calm. Always personal.

No advice. No performance. Just one man’s truth, laid bare, for those willing to listen.

 

The first piece is called “I Hate Small Talk.”

It’s about what we miss when we stay shallow.

Each piece will open another hidden room inside the house of manhood.

 

This is how we unlearn silence.

This is how we come back to each other.

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If this piece has brought up difficult emotions for you, please know that support is available. You can call Lifeline at 13 11 14 for 24/7 confidential crisis support.