Body Commentary Isn’t Always Welcome
No gender is safe from society's criteria of what it means to be "perfect." For men, they regularly receive unsolicited opinions about their height, weight, hair, muscles, and countless other physical features. Sometimes, they're pressured to do something about it to fit the mold, and other times, they're judged on something they can't even change! Whatever it might be, we wouldn't be surprised if men are fed up. Here are 20 of the most annoying things they're tired of hearing about their bodies.
1. “You Need To Put On More Muscle”
When masculinity is so tied to how much muscle you have, it can be exhausting for men to keep hearing that they need to "put on more." Not every man wants large arms, broad shoulders, or a defined chest. Everyone has different preferences for body type, and putting all men into one category is simply wrong.
2. “Men Should Be Tall”
There's nothing worse than being given an expectation you simply can't control, and for men, it's their height. For whatever reason, they're constantly told that they need to be taller than women or at least reach a certain height to be "manly." No measurement should ever determine someone's confidence, maturity, or attractiveness.
3. “You’re Too Skinny”
It's frustrating that it's considered a "good" thing for women to be called slim, but for men, it's the complete opposite. Being called skinny is almost an insult! It'll likely be followed up by comments that they should eat more, visit the gym, or gain some muscle, no matter how healthy they already are.
4. “You’ve Let Yourself Go”
Everyone should know that bodies naturally change from age, stress, health conditions, and more, yet it doesn't stop them from commenting on a little weight gain or reduced muscle. Apparently, those kinds of changes mean a man has stopped caring about himself, even if it's far from the truth.
5. “You’d Look Better With A Beard”
Great, another feature men just can't control. Over the years, facial hair has become a popular symbol of masculinity. However, not only is it not possible for every man to grow one, but it also doesn't suit every man's taste or appearance. Your looks should never dictate your manliness or maturity.
6. “You Should Shave Your Body Hair”
Speaking of hair, turns out people even have things to say about a man's body hair. Some people like it, some people don't. It should be as simple as that, but many force their opinions on men in a way that it makes grooming feel obligatory.
7. “Men Shouldn’t Worry About Their Skin”
Skin care isn’t reserved for women, and it isn't girly or feminine for a man to use moisturizer or have a nighttime routine. Men can experience dryness, acne, and irritation just the same, and if anything, it shows maturity and care that they give their skin proper attention.
8. “You’re Too Hairy”
Enough about men's hair already! Those with an abundant amount of body hair have heard every unusual comment about it already, one of which being that they're "too hairy." Constant teasing only make hairy men self-conscious, especially in situations where they might have take off their shirt or show some skin. There's nothing wrong with natural hair growth.
9. “You Don’t Have Enough Body Hair”
Sadly, the opposite criticism can also be heard often, which just makes it especially frustrating for men because they can't win. Too much body hair is gross, but no body hair at all is somehow not manly. Why anyone would say a smooth chest or patchy beard makes you less of a man is beyond us.
10. “You’re Too Young To Be Going Bald”
Unfortunately, hair loss isn't something you can control, and it by no means waits for a convenient age to start. It's not nice to point out that a man has a receding hairline, especially if it draws attention to something he's self-conscious about. There's no need to make comments about what he should do.
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11. “You Should Cover Up Your Gray Hair”
Gray hair can appear in a man’s twenties, thirties, or much later in life. Sure, dyeing it is an option, but it shouldn’t be treated as a requirement for remaining attractive or relevant. It should be done only if a man wants to, yet many men feel pressured into doing it.
12. “You Need A Six-Pack”
Ah yes, the unavoidable six-pack comment. Many treat the peak of masculinity as having a six-pack, yet many also ignore that these muscles require specific genetics, training, and body-fat levels that aren't the most realistic. Still, it continues to be a goal that society forces men to want.
13. “Your Legs Are Too Small”
Gym culture has sadly created unusually detailed criticism of men’s proportions, particularly when it comes to their legs. Even if their chest and arms fit the expectations, if their legs don't, they're definitely going to hear some harsh comments about it.
14. “You Shouldn’t Be So Sensitive About Your Weight”
Men can struggle with body image just as much as women even if they don’t discuss it openly. The criticism might sound different, but it does the same thing: it can seriously affect one's mental health. And when their discomfort is dismissed, it just creates an environment where men feel like they have to accept every hurtful joke without reacting.
15. “Dad Bods Aren’t Attractive”
The term “dad bod” can sound affectionate, but it’s still frequently used to categorize and judge men’s appearances. And depending on the tone, it can even sound like an insult meant to pressure some men into thinking they need to hit the gym.
16. “You’re Too Big To Wear That”
Larger men deserve the chance to be stylish and embrace their own tastes too! But sadly, they're often told to hide beneath loose, neutral outfits that hide their body shape instead. It doesn't matter what gender you are, society is simply unkind to those who are heavier in weight.
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17. “You Look Too Feminine”
Long hair, delicate features, painted nails, and slender frames shouldn't stop a man from being confident in his identity. But unfortunately, people like to label this aesthetic as "feminine," and call it something women wouldn't find attractive.
18. “You Need Broader Shoulders”
The world has a weird obsession about men with broad shoulders, which has made them believe that it's a feature that makes you more attractive or manly. The hard part is though, that no workout can redesign your frame, which makes some men feel hopeless about what they're born with, something no one should ever feel.
19. “Your Hands Are Too Small”
It's truly baffling thinking that people can make men feel bad about the most insignificant things, like their hands. Somehow, a man's strength and masculinity has even been tied to the size of their hands! It's says nothing about their actual capabilities or skills, yet they're told to believe it does.
20. “Men Don’t Face Body Pressure”
Everyone knows how hard it is for women when it comes to beauty standards, but that doesn't mean we should leave men out of the picture. Men experience body standards differently, but they're just as harmful. Being told they don't face this kind of pressure only ignores the problems our society is creating when it comes to self-esteem.
