Figured I'd talk rn while I feel like the ground pulled apart under me in a way positive and odd. So recently, like 5 minutes ago, found out my sister bought a car to drive herself to work and I'm happy for her but feeling weird.

No secret that I'm neet and live at home. I guess to put it simply I've tied my self-esteem in what I could do for others. One where the transactional nature of capitalism is based on. I get love only so long as I'm useful to those around me and no love otherwise. This of course a ridiculous standard I would never hold to other people but one I can't shake off myself so easily.

Was the driving tough yeah but I was getting used to it. Same with the need of postponing drink or other activities so as to be useful in driving my sister where she was needed.

Now though, I feel as though I lost something and I feel a sense of sadness and dread. Brain is meh but I feel it in my stomach.

I know there is still more to do around the house but the question comes do I do it because it needs to be done or to preserve the other esteem that this patriarchal system as instilled in me. I've heard the term other esteem once to mean a self esteem rooted in other people or external and thought it would fit here.

Normally I'd try not to think about but I know if left unaired this will fester. I also have the duty of being some kind of role model here now that I'm a mod. To this end I shall be more open with my emotions and encourage other masc comrades to do the same here.

I would like to here what my masc comrades thoughts on being needed and doing stuff. Tell me your thoughts, feelings, and anything you always wanted to say but were too afraid to. I'm new at this but will try my best to respond with empathy and understanding because we all need it :hug

  • Wmill [he/him]
    ·
    3 years ago

    You don’t need people who depend on you (especially financially) to be a man. Someone needing you and you being able to meet that need is a blessing, not a token for ones ego.

    Thank you so much for this comrade having trouble writing because I feel relief, sadness, and something else I need to find words for. Haven't cried like this in a long time good cry.

    Dudes Rock indeed.

    • LaBellaLotta [any]
      ·
      3 years ago

      Hey there’s a lot to be said on the subject, this is a rich vein you hit with this post. And I’m honored, crying is beautiful, do it more my dudes! Keep digging on stuff like this, Wmill, and keep rocking my dude.

      • Wmill [he/him]
        ·
        3 years ago

        I'll keep looking and searching for the right words and wanna say am so happy for this comm being a place were we can talk and discuss these kinda thing.

        :rat-salute: may the rocking never end.

        • LaBellaLotta [any]
          ·
          3 years ago

          I’m proud to have rocked this thread with you. It’s hard stuff to talk about, keep effort posting, the dudes want it! We can’t make any of this better alone.