By: Lifestyle DeskNew Delhi | October 4, 2025 08:30 PM IST 4 min readFrom the way men are expected to walk or talk to the restrictions placed on expressing emotions, societal norms often impose rigid definitions of masculinity. But these expectations can limit personal growth, emotional health, and self-expression. During a recent conversation with podcaster Raj Shamani on his show, The Figuring Out Co., Ravi Kishan opened up about his definition of manliness, underscoring the importance of mindset over external markers.The Mamla Legal Hai actor shared: “Khud hi bakar bakar nahi kar raha hoon. Aapko sun raha hoon. That is manliness. Respecting women, taking care of your woman, protecting women. Respecting the poor and those who are weaker than you. That’s manliness. Baki sab bakwas hai, ke yeh six pack, moustache, dadhi, langotiya, jataye, le lo. Manliness bohot hi sensitive cheez hai,” he told the host. (Not talking a lot but truly listening. That is manliness. Respecting women, taking care of your loved ones, and protecting women. Respecting the poor and those who are weaker than you. That’s manliness. Everything else is nonsense. Six-pack abs, moustache, beard, loincloth, topknot, take all of them away. Manliness is very sensitive.)Changing ideals of manlinessShivani Misri Sadhoo, a psychologist and relationship counsellor, told IndianExpress.com that for many boys growing up, any deviation from this traditional stereotype, such as showing vulnerability, embracing gentler traits, or simply being different, can lead to ridicule or bullying. Over time, this takes a toll on their mental and emotional well-being.According to her, adhering to these notions of masculinity could lead to long-term psychological outcomes, including emotional suppression, enhanced aggression, and difficulty in forming healthy relationships. The ideals of manliness are changing (Source: Freepik)“Young men often face the brunt of internalising these norms and struggle with vulnerability later in their lives. An absence of vulnerability can lead to problems such as “anxiety”, “depression”, and a “sense of isolation”,” she said, adding that the pressure to conform to rigid gender roles may also result in low self-esteem and an inability to express emotions constructively.Over time, this may contribute to substance abuse, anger management issues, and a higher risk of suicidal thoughts. In fact, toxic masculinity perpetuates harmful behaviours that strain personal and professional relationships, further exacerbating mental health issues.The societal push for masculinity reinforces the masculinity stereotype by promoting traits such as “dominance, competitiveness, and emotional stoicism” as ideals for men, Sadhoo said. As a result, this pressure encourages men to adopt “assertive and aggressive mannerisms” to assert their status and power, mostly at the expense of empathy and cooperation. A narrow definition of manliness limits men’s ability to express themselves authentically and creates a toxic environment where they feel pressured to conform to unrealistic and harmful standards.Story continues below this ad“Educating a person about the social and psychological impacts of toxic masculinity is a crucial component of therapy,” Sadhoo advised. Psychoeducation involves teaching a person about how societal norms and cultural expectations have shaped their beliefs about masculinity. “Knowledge about the impacts of toxic masculinity, such as its links to mental health issues, relationship issues, and violence, can motivate men to embrace change,” she shared.A gender-sensitive technique in therapy acknowledges the unique challenges men face because of the societal expectations of masculinity. For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Ravi Kishan