I’m very thankful to see this follow-up after witnessing some of the appalling commentary on your last post. I love that your approach to this work centers compassion and emotional resonance, even if some would have you believe that is “too feminine” (which is perpetually perplexing; why must we pretend dudes don’t have feelings? Or that talk therapy is “feminized”?? Get out of here with that nonsense)
I just came upon your post regarding masculinity and penises. You have hit one nail of many on its proverbial head! I can distinctly remember as a teenager with all the self-awareness concerns of puberty: raging hormones and the beginning of body hair, voice changes, acne, etc. the extreme emotional stress due to a sudden arousel culminating in an awkwardly timed erection added to a momentary dint of daydreaming. When the hall bell rings and you find yourself having to maneuver around people and through hallways to your next class without the benefit of darkness or a backpack to hide your extended trousers, save maybe placing your hands down in the vain hope of another awkward attempt to disguise your engorged penis from the mob of students, teachers, and staff moving along with you. The combination of fear, guilt, shame, pleasure, bravado, sexual tension/excitement all thrusting in front as you plunge forward.
I’m very thankful to see this follow-up after witnessing some of the appalling commentary on your last post. I love that your approach to this work centers compassion and emotional resonance, even if some would have you believe that is “too feminine” (which is perpetually perplexing; why must we pretend dudes don’t have feelings? Or that talk therapy is “feminized”?? Get out of here with that nonsense)
Big shout out for putting yourself out there, you can't imagine how inspiring this article has been <3
I just came upon your post regarding masculinity and penises. You have hit one nail of many on its proverbial head! I can distinctly remember as a teenager with all the self-awareness concerns of puberty: raging hormones and the beginning of body hair, voice changes, acne, etc. the extreme emotional stress due to a sudden arousel culminating in an awkwardly timed erection added to a momentary dint of daydreaming. When the hall bell rings and you find yourself having to maneuver around people and through hallways to your next class without the benefit of darkness or a backpack to hide your extended trousers, save maybe placing your hands down in the vain hope of another awkward attempt to disguise your engorged penis from the mob of students, teachers, and staff moving along with you. The combination of fear, guilt, shame, pleasure, bravado, sexual tension/excitement all thrusting in front as you plunge forward.
So interesting! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Home run!