Two men loving each other is still a radical act.
Yes, we now have the legal right to marry each other.
But do we have the freedom to be really vulnerable with our man?
From what I see, most of the time the answer is no.
We may be married, but we are still men. That means we are not allowed to be soft, vulnerable, or needy.
When I work with straight couples, typically the woman in the room is much more likely to express her vulnerable need for attention. And she is often ready to take the lead when soothing is required.
When I work with male couples in LGBTQ counseling sessions, often neither partner knows how to emotionally reach for the other when they feel insecure.
Let’s Face Facts: You Are Needy
For men, one of the biggest crimes you can commit is being needy.
If a woman appears a little needy, people smile and think it’s sort of cute.
If a man appears dependent or needy, then he’s a fag. It’s considered gross.
But here’s the big secret. Don’t tell anyone, but both straight guys and gay guys are tired of always having to look independent and strong.
They work hard trying to project independence and the effort exhausts them and makes them feel alone.
Needy is Revolutionary
Humans are full of needs. And one of our core needs is to feel attached, safe, and connected to others. This is a “built-in” need that comes with being a primate.
A two-year-old who is not attached to at least one adult is at very high risk for death. That’s a fact. We are born with a need for attachment and it helps keeps us alive.
But don’t tell a man that he is needy for attachment. Not if you want a pleasant evening.
Men, I urge to accept your neediness. I want you to think about the concept of healthy neediness in relationship. It’s the foundation for better communication and connection in love.
Before we go any further I want to acknowledge that unhealthy neediness does exist. It’s sometimes called codependency. Yes, we must learn to take care of ourselves physically and emotionally. Self-empowerment is beautiful.
We get lots of support for developing strength. You can learn about that in any men’s fitness magazine, business book, self-help article, or beer commercial.
Creating A Climate of Healthy Dependency
Can you and your man create a relationship culture of healthy dependency? Where it is okay to be strong one day and needy the next?
Can you tell your husband, “I feel needy today” rather than getting moody and starting a fight? That is a radical and healthy act.
Can you hear your partner express his childlike need for you and not go “ewww” and shame him for it?
Let’s reframe the horror of male homosexual neediness and rename it as being human, or feeling temporarily tired, young, or in need of a hug.
And for the 50% of gay male couples who are in open relationships, get ready to accept and support a lot of neediness. It comes with the territory.
Yes, I want you to be more like a woman. Women are less afraid of neediness. And—no big surprise—they have more friends than men and fewer stress-related diseases. They live a lot longer. Men, this fear of vulnerability is killing you.
Thank you for the article. Thankfully I have never had a fear of showing all my emotions and have been partnered closed for 36 years. Thanks again!
recently going thru this
Sorry but needy straight women are annoying too. It’s not cute.
I agree. There’s a difference between I want some “support” (healthy expression of needs) and I want “you to make me feel better” (being needy and not taking charge of ones own needs)…