Society has progressed to the point where common misconceptions about genders are being dropped. It’s good that we live in such progressive times, but there is much work still to be done.

For the male of the species, there are many myths that still remain. Fueled by social media, these falsehoods gain traction, and it’s a sad fact that many men feel the need to live up to them.

Knowing about the common myths listed here will hopefully help men move on and understand that they don’t have to follow an outdated lifestyle.

1. Men Don’t Suffer From Eating Disorders

Conditions such as anorexia and bulimia have been historically considered exclusively female. While women sufferers may be in the majority, we can’t be sure how many men are affected as it’s still considered taboo to speak out.

The tide is turned only by a handful of high-profile celebrities who have come out and admitted to eating disorders. While their actions are welcome, it shouldn’t need their input to dispel the myth that men can’t be affected.

2. Men Shouldn’t Admit to Mental Health Issues

Eventually, it’s hoped that the phrase “man up” will no longer be used in a more caring society. The thought that men shouldn’t discuss mental health issues is concerning, and it can sadly lead to tragedy.

For men aged under 45, death by their own hand is the second most common killer. It’s simply a myth that men shouldn’t admit they are struggling with their mental health, so please talk to someone if you need to.

3. Men Aren’t Body Conscious

This myth follows a similar pattern to the issues surrounding eating disorders. Some feel that men aren’t body conscious, but in many cases, this simply isn’t true.

Men can have concerns over their height, weight, their visual appearance, and much more. Maybe they feel they have too much hair on their body. Everyone is different, and many men are worried about how others perceive their looks.

4. Men Should Wear Specific Colors

There’s no reason why men shouldn’t wear pink and regardless of your sexuality, it’s up to you to choose your colors. From school age, we’re led to believe that there are “manly” colors and those that are more suited for girls.

It’s all nonsense. Clothing colors should all come down to personal preference and absolutely nothing else.

5. Boys Don’t Cry

It’s similar to the entry relating to mental health, but this is such a common saying that it’s worth mentioning separately. From a very young age, we hear the phrase “Boys don’t cry.” It essentially means that it’s wrong for the male of the species to show any emotion.

Many of us carry this mantra into adulthood, but it’s completely wrong to do so. Bottling up emotions can be dangerous, and can help to increase feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression.

6. Men Can’t Enjoy Herbal Tea

We’ve used herbal tea as an example, but it represents a host of food and drink that isn’t considered to be “manly.” We could have used quiche or salad in its place.

There is a myth that you’re not a man unless you consume a diet full of meat, carbs, and drinks that aren’t necessarily good for you. In short, the less healthy the diet, the more manly you become. Once again, it’s nonsense, and herbal tea is a perfect example of a healthy beverage that falls outside of society’s perceptions.

7. Men Shouldn’t do Housework

Surely we’ve entered an era where roles in the home are no longer gender-specific. Everyone in the household should make a contribution to chores in an age where both partners are more likely to be out at work.

Any refusal to do the housework for whatever reason, is likely to cause a division within the relationship. It should be a genuine partnership and gender stereotypes relating to work around the home are things of the past.

8. Men Can’t Look After Themselves

Men can certainly step up when needed, and the idea that they can’t look after themselves is wrong. OK, so there will be a section of males who rely on takeaways and microwave meals, while the cleanliness of their houses is lacking.

Maybe they need an incentive, but in the main, men are perfectly capable of cooking, cleaning, and looking after themselves.

9. Man Must Have a Beer

This is quite personal, but I’m sure many men have experienced the same issues. On a Friday evening drink with the boys, if you order something non-alcoholic, your friends will look at you as if you’ve landed from another planet.

There is nothing weak or unmanly about having a break from beer or alcohol of any kind. It’s a sad fact that peer pressure continues to perpetuate the myth that a man must have a beer on a night out.

10. Boys Will Be Boys

It seems right to finish with the biggest myth of all, but what does this phrase even mean? The term “boys will be boys” seems to cover a host of bad behavior and the sad thing is that it’s instilled in all genders from a very early age.

Is it right to fight, to be messy, and to try and be tough all the time? As this list has hopefully, proved, the myth that males have to follow a pattern is completely wrong.