“ I want to live in a world where I’m not impressed by an emotionally aware man because it’s the norm.”

I think that’s the real kicker here. When my boyfriend told me he was inspired to start reading more because he sees me reading all the time, and suggested that we read Crucial Conversations together, I literally felt myself fighting back tears. It was really sweet of him, but it helped me realize that my expectations were pretty low. Books and therapy are great, but only if both parties are willing.

Other than a couple that I can name off the top of my head, including The Mask of Masculinity (Lewis Howes) and the Men’s Edition of The Five Love Languages, there really aren’t nearly as many books that are geared towards men. I’m sure there’s more, but even books that are meant to be pushed towards both men and women are usually heavily marketed towards women.

Even so, I’m hopeful for the next generation. Now that topics like mental health and vulnerability are being brought more to the forefront, hopefully, they can be brought up in environments in which they can strengthen their emotional intelligence instead of repressing it.