James Carter
Life isn’t always a walk in the park, and let’s be real here, it’s not exactly a cakewalk for a lot of men out there. But there’s this thing about us men – we tend to put on a brave face, even when life is giving us a good beating.
Now, you might ask, “Why?”.
Well, society often puts pressure on men to be “strong”, which translates to us hiding our struggles behind a mask of bravery. And while appearing resilient can sometimes be beneficial, it doesn’t exactly help us cope with our difficulties.
When men struggle in silence, they unintentionally exhibit certain behaviors – telltale signs of their hidden battles. So, if you’ve been wondering “What are these behaviors?”, then you’re in luck.
In this piece, we’re going to explore seven behaviors typically displayed by men who are fighting their battles while wearing a brave face. These insights could help you understand yourself or the men in your life better, promoting empathy, and fostering stronger relationships.
Stay tuned – you might be surprised at what you discover.
1) They tend to isolate themselves
Men, when battling life’s challenges, often retreat into their own shells. You might notice that they start spending a lot of time alone, even if they are usually outgoing and social.
Now, you might think, “Maybe they just need some alone time?”
And while that’s not completely wrong – everyone needs some solitude – excessive isolation is another story. It can often be a sign of internal struggles they’re dealing with but not openly expressing.
So, if a man in your life starts pulling away from social activities or even regular interactions, it might not be because he’s suddenly become an introvert. He may actually be putting on a brave face while dealing with personal difficulties.
Understanding and acknowledging this can be the first step towards offering them the support they might not ask for, but definitely need.
2) They overwork themselves
Ever noticed how some men immerse themselves in work when they’re dealing with something? I’ve been there too.
A few years back, I had a personal setback. Instead of addressing it directly, I threw myself into my job. It was like a coping mechanism – the more I worked, the less time I had to think about my problems.
But here’s the thing – in hindsight, I can see that all I was doing was running away from my troubles. In my attempt to appear brave, I was just burying my struggle under piles of papers and endless meetings.
If you notice a man in your life suddenly working late nights or skipping social events for work, he might be using his job as a shield against his inner turmoil. It’s a common behavior among men who are struggling yet trying to put on a brave face.
3) They become unusually silent
Have you ever been in a situation where words just don’t seem to come out? Where silence seems like the only safe refuge? I have.
During one of the toughest periods of my life, I found myself unusually quiet. Conversations felt like an uphill battle, and small talk? That was even worse. I would nod, smile, and respond when necessary, but I wouldn’t engage more than that.
Why was I doing this? Simple. It was easier to stay silent than to risk revealing my struggles through my words. It was my brave face, my protective wall.
If you notice a man in your life becoming more reserved and silent, it might not be out of disinterest or boredom. He may be silently wrestling with his own demons, trying to keep his struggles hidden behind a brave face.
4) They become overly generous
Now, this might seem counterintuitive, but bear with me.
Sometimes, men who are struggling internally become excessively generous. It could be their time, money, or emotional support – they just start giving more of themselves.
One might wonder, “Isn’t that a good thing?”
Well, yes and no. While generosity is a virtue, excessive generosity can be a coping mechanism for men who are struggling but trying to appear strong. By focusing their energies on helping others, they’re able to distract themselves from their own issues.
Next time you see a man in your life going above and beyond for others without taking care of himself, remember – it might not be pure altruism. It could be his way of putting on a brave face amidst his struggles.
5) They lose interest in hobbies
Did you know that our hobbies often serve as a mirror to our mental state?
When a man is struggling with life’s challenges, one of the first things to take a hit is his interest in hobbies. The things he once enjoyed – be it playing guitar, running, or even just reading a book – suddenly seem like a chore.
It happened to me too during a tough period in my life. I stopped playing basketball – something that I’ve loved since my teenage years. It wasn’t an intentional decision. It just happened.
Noticing a man in your life losing interest in activities he once loved, it could be more than just boredom or lack of time. It might be a sign that he’s dealing with some internal struggles while trying to maintain a brave face.
6) They display inconsistent moods
We all have our good days and bad days, right? It’s part of being human. But, when a man is dealing with unspoken struggles, his mood can swing like a pendulum.
One minute he’s cracking jokes, the next he’s unusually quiet. It can be confusing for those around him, but imagine how he must be feeling.
I remember a friend who went through this. His mood swings were like a rollercoaster ride. We couldn’t understand it then, but we later learned he was going through a challenging time.
If you notice similar inconsistencies in a man’s mood, be patient with him. He might be doing his best to put on a brave face while navigating through his struggles. Your understanding and empathy can make a world of difference to him.
7) They dismiss their feelings
This is perhaps the most telling sign of a man trying to put on a brave face amidst struggles – dismissing his own feelings.
You might hear him say things like, “I’m fine” or “It’s not a big deal,” when deep down, he’s anything but. He might downplay his issues, brush off concerns, and even laugh off genuine questions about his well-being.
This isn’t about being insensitive or unresponsive. It’s about protecting himself from vulnerability. It’s his way of maintaining control when things feel out of control internally.
If you see a man in your life consistently dismissing his feelings, take a moment to listen, to understand. He may be silently screaming for help while trying to keep his brave face intact.
Wrapping up
Recognizing these signs in yourself or in a man you care about isn’t an admission of weakness, but rather a stepping stone towards understanding and compassion. It’s a chance to break the cycle, to acknowledge the struggles hidden behind the brave face.
Remember, it’s okay to seek help. It’s okay to let the mask slip. It’s okay to be vulnerable.
If you’ve identified with these behaviors, know that courage isn’t always about maintaining a brave face. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to let someone in, to share your struggles.
And if you see these signs in a man in your life, offer your understanding, lend a listening ear. Your support can make all the difference.
Life may be tough, but remember, it’s through our struggles that we grow stronger. Let’s strive for not just outward strength but also inner resilience.
After all, true bravery isn’t about hiding our battles; it’s about facing them head-on.
