http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/10/25/the-art-of-manliness-weekly-roundup-nominate-the-man-of-the-year-edition/ Men's Interests and Lifestyle Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:36:35 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/10/25/the-art-of-manliness-weekly-roundup-nominate-the-man-of-the-year-edition/comment-page-1/#comment-16695 Greg Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:16:44 +0000 http://artofmanliness.com/?p=983#comment-16695 PEER PRESSURE.
There is no man without the right of passage from boy to manhood. Peer pressure is more relevant than role models like fathers can be sometimes. Competition and victory are an essential component of a man’s psychic. And it is like magic with blood sweat and tears. Early childhood and puberty are crucial moments to develop sexual identity and self worth. Many boys are raised without a role model and they grow up to be great men. But what if you grew up with hypogonadism (Low testosterone because of Pituitary failure) missing full puberty and getting depression instead? Teenage years spent feeling like a freak for lack of body hair, stamina, stature and interest in manly endeavors. Men and women looking down on you in pure disgust that was both socially acceptable and instinctive. We certainly will not forgive a girly looking guy. What a freak, why doesn’t he do something about it? Put the blame on him. That is his fault. Depression of the body and the mind acted in concert like a self-fulfilling Hell. Friends, dope and booze helped, a bit too well! At 28 I looked for treatment after being called “Madam” a last time entering a bar. Now I look better, like a teddy Bear and am pretty sexy. I am 38 and receiving treatments of all kinds, I simply have to tell you that I understand that it is hard to fit in with the other boys and make the grade. I am terrified entering a softball game and other competitive things, but keep trying, everyday. Sometimes I feel like a man, but most of the time, like a piece of shit. Just one day at a time. I need help getting rid of the guilt I felt all these years. Do you have any idea how? All of you must have hard some hard times too I hope! Those of you who grew up with stronger bodies and minds, I think you are pure magic. And fuck off.

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