: Re: Is a male character crying realistic or excessive? I would like feedback on if this portrayal of male emotion is unrealistic. I have been told (beta readers) that men don't cry in real life

@Kristi637

Vote Up Vote Down

I hate that stereotype too, but there is some truth behind it. Men do cry, but not as often. It's probably due to society, and hormones too. Society raises men to cry less, and to be seen as "less weak" or "not weak." When I say hormones, it is because of something very interesting. When given hormones, trans people tend to have a change in both emotions and how much they cry. Trans men often have a harder time crying after being on testosterone shots for some time, while trans women often have an easier time crying after taking estrogen shots for some time. Their emotions change too, just not enough to really be that much of a difference.

It's due to society and hormones in the end. Even though men do cry, we tend to hold it in more and probably will only cry over things when we truly break or are alone. It's also seen as more acceptable for a man to cry over a sport or losing their dog, while not so much if we have depression. It depends on the situation and try to make it seem reasonable too.

And don't forget to get more beta writers! Only a couple is bad, since it extremely restricts how the book will turn out. Good luck!

(0)

Login to post a comment!