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Anyone who's been around children can attest that they have certain behaviors that would be intolerable in adults. Of course, the tragedy is that some so-called adults still retain the need to constantly cry, throw their toys and run to momma whenever something doesn’t go their way.
Someone asked “What screams "I'm a man-child" but nobody realizes it?” and people from across the internet share their own examples. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to go to the comments down below to detail your own encounters with men who need to grow up a bit.
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#1
Gatekeeping masculinity. “You’re not a real man unless…” kind of stuff. Wow, how insecure are you, dude?
Beak Hookage 12 hours ago
I should inform my dad of this; he adores quiche.
Load More Replies...
KatSaidThat 7 hours ago
Also, you're not a real man IF... Piers Morgan got massively schooled all the way into the 22nd century for saying something about James Bond carrying his child on his chest in a [child sling-thing]
RELATED:
#2
Not changing diapers. It’s your kid, grow up.
Beak Hookage 12 hours ago
If I needed any further confirmation that my bro in law is a good man who was going to be a good father, it was when he was right there in the maternity ward changing the kid's nappies while my sister was recovering. When someone stupidly commented that he was being super helpful, he responded by saying simply that this was his child and he wouldn't miss this for anything. Including the gross parts.
#3
Their explosive emotions are valid ( even when exaggerated) but yours are never and you're just dramatic.
Beak Hookage 11 hours ago
Guys aren't allowed to have feelings except RAAAAGE! Therefore it is "manly" to fly off the handle. Women aren't allowed to express anger because that is unfeminine. That's why most of us cry when we're angry because it's okay for a woman to cry but god forbid she raise her voice or behave aggressively.
Ace 10 hours ago
That response seems to apply to around 50% of the examples here.
Load More Replies... #4
Playing video games all day and getting upset when your partner asks for help with kids, housework, grocery shopping, household stuff.
Earonn - 9 hours ago
Answer: because they pretend to be decent until the baby is born.
Load More Replies... Beak Hookage 12 hours ago
I'm autistic and I love gaming and even I couldn't possibly imagine wanting to do it ALL DAY. I'd go completely spare!
Hassel Davidhoff 30 minutes ago
My wife and I have been together for 25 years and I'm a hardcore gamer. I still hold down a full time job though, and we don't have kids, so maybe that helps.
Earonn - 9 hours ago
Actually, your stupid comment is way more childish than any gaming could ever be.
Load More Replies... #5
Being unhappy that you rarley attract females whilst setting completely unrealistic body standards when prospecting for a relationship
My cousin does this, he asked me for advice once and I was like "well what do you want in a girl" any examples he showed me were basically real life anime characters.
NJP 17 hours ago
"Real life anime"? You mean those female influencers that use the filters in their Tik Toks?
Beak Hookage 12 hours ago
Real talk here, if you're hoping to find a partner and those insufferable apps aren't working out (or you'd rather not), find a way to go out and meet people. Join clubs and meetup groups and such. The more people you get to know, the more likely it gets that eventually you'll click with one. And that's when you'll see that "having triple D cups and a waist I can wrap my hands around" is not a basis for a relationship. That's spank bank material and has nothing to do with reality.
#6
Expecting the world to accept your temper tantrums.
Amazingly common among men, thinking it is ok to flip things, scream and smash stuff over a trivial loss.
So funny people think women are emotional, ever seen a woman smash a TV over their Fanduel account?
#7
MAGA hats.
#8
Using the word “alpha male” unironically in a sentence.
Beak Hookage 11 hours ago
In other words an error-filled early version not ready for release to the public?
KatSaidThat 7 hours ago
I feel validated for saying similar to someone now.
Load More Replies... #9
Blaming others for your mistakes or bad luck.
Spittnimage 4 hours ago
My doctor told me once my now ex blamed me for everything that went wrong and took the credit for everything that turned out right. Told doc that was not news to me.
Beak Hookage 11 hours ago
Oh yeah, that's being a whiny baby right there. I knew a guy who was like that once upon a time. I cut him off when he progressed to trying to get in my pants and then negging me when I repeatedly said no.
KatSaidThat 7 hours ago
Assuming you're a woman, did he than ask if you were a lesbian? That's usually the first question before the real negging...
Load More Replies... #10
“if you tell me the trash is full, i’ll take it out”.
KatSaidThat 7 hours ago
I live with 5 other people. 3 of us appear to be on trash duty. So now I leave the recycling bag right by the front door late at night and the early riser has learned to take it across the road for collection. (I live in a super cool area that collects recycling several times a day. E17)
#11
Thinking being nice to your partner is being whipped or unmanly. "Guys, is it gay to like your wife???".
amy lee 15 hours ago (edited)
They don't start of like that. It's a slow erosion and life happens when are getting on with getting the job done. They don't have time to notice their husband is not doing anything when she's busy with a newborn etc
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liam newton-harding 10 hours ago
The tate-bro pdf's actually posed the question...in public...for the World to see, "Is it gay to sleep with women?"
Earonn - 9 hours ago
They triggered the question with one of their stupid attention-seeking posts. These guys are worse losers than even Elon Musk....and now we learn all 3 of them might be rap.ists....
Load More Replies... #12
Driving your pickup truck right up my back like it's going to make me go faster.
Earonn - 9 hours ago
My driving instructor used to say: what are they going to do, ram you? that would give you a push forward and them criminal charges plus they would have to pay for your car (where I learned to drive, one MUST have insurance). Let them scream and whine, your eyes are on the street."
Tea Drinker 13 hours ago
Ease up on your accelerator - without touching the brakes - until you're going exactly the speed limit. They'll usually go around you.
#14
Loud cars and trucks, blasting your music really loud. What are you, 5 years old? CAR GO BRRRR... STFU.
Crystalwitch60 12 hours ago
Oo er lmao I used to have music on in my car at top volume n windows down n im not male ! can’t beat loud music tbh. Long as its not annoying the neighbours obviously, dont drive anymore n never have music on loud ,but back in the day lol
KatSaidThat 7 hours ago
Ok, I'm giving a pass on this one because most people I know have done this at least once. I'm older and wiser now and when people are listening to music I can hear through their earphones 5 seats away on the Tube, I comfort myself knowing they are in for tinnitus later in life.
#15
Only contributes a paycheck to the home while his partner also works and does all the child care, cooking, cleaning etc.
Beak Hookage 11 hours ago
When I was a kid I read a picture book about a family where the wife/mother is in this situation, with her husband and two sons taking her completely for granted. One day she walks out on them, leaving a note that says "YOU ARE PIGS". Without her they're completely unable to cope. The house falls into a shambles, they can't figure out how to cook or clean or otherwise take care of themselves, until eventually they transform into pigs. It has a happy ending where she comes back and says have you learned your lesson? They have, and from then on they all pitch in.
KatSaidThat 7 hours ago
I was hoping the happy ending was bacon sandwiches.
Load More Replies... #16
It’s when someone looks “functional” on the outside but still expects life to feel like it did when they were 22.
like… being constantly frustrated that work isn’t exciting, relationships are hard, routines are boring. and instead of adapting, they keep waiting for the world to change back.
#17
Refusing to handle unused period products.
#18
Telling people "You still do (insert hobby) but that's for children".
#20
Leaving your spouse and children because "it's too much pressure to be a dad".
Nothing wrong with being overwhelmed, but grown-ups seek help before it gets bad instead of ditching everything when it gets complicated.
Sally Moen 14 hours ago
I think it's too bad that mothers who abandon their kids are called all kinds of names but a dad is at most called a deadbeat dad. A shrug of the shoulders. It's been too common too long. Why isn't it similarly embarrassing for the guy?
Spittnimage 4 hours ago
Mine left because he "got tired of the bills". Guess he didn't know he'd be paying bills no matter where he went.
#21
Saying the spouse (meaning himself) should come before the kids. Nope. Sorry. You brought these helpless humans into the world. You, their parents, are a team putting their needs first. Grow TF up.
Kelly Scott 3 hours ago
If the man in question is putting his spouse over the kids and says she comes first, I don't have a problem with that, any more than if a woman says her spouse comes before the kids. Kids are not the focal point of a family. They're part of the family and parents who put them first before their spouses run the risk of losing their spouses to divorce and raising their kids to be mamas' boys or daddies' girls.
Henrik Knudsen 9 minutes ago
My wife does come before my kids. God is first, wife second, kids third.
#22
"I have very narrow and specific interests, I just don't find those things appealing to learn, I'd rather other people do them for me."
Those "other things": cooking, car maintenance, home maintenance, trip planning, basically anything that involves effort. Like, buddy, you'rw 30, you hang out all afternoon at your parents' place, you have them cook for you when you make double what they do combined (and work like 3 hrs a day), you have your 63 year old dad change your car's oil, repair your doorframes, paint your apartment, you have your mom make your dentist appointments while your play video games and scroll Instagram.
You don't have narrow interests, you're a lazy slob of a man child who was never forced to bear the construction of his learned incompetence.
#23
He told me one of his proudest accomplishments in life was becoming Homecoming Prince in high school.
He was 35.
KatSaidThat 7 hours ago
Is that a pic of the crown prince of Norway, currently on trial for several heinous crimes?
B.M. 5 hours ago
The crown prince of Norway is in no way known as a criminal. His stepson (who of course has no ties to the crown, since not related to the king''s family) ist another matter.
Load More Replies... #24
More nefarious, but any weaponized incompetence.
Things I've seen:
'Accidentally' breaking dishes when washing dishes, loading a dishwasher in a way that some dishes don't get clean, washing colors with whites with hot water, 'not knowing' where basic supplies are kept, mopping without sweeping/vacuuming first, etc.
Sally Moen 14 hours ago
I see this at work all the time when I have the exact same job description
#25
Ooh I dated a man baby! He:
- Blamed everyone else for his shortcomings
- very close with his mom but she overly coddled him
- lived with his parents not to save money but because he literally could not afford to move out
- talked smack about everyone
- made getting a lot of girls a huge thing he was proud of, like super bragging as if that's relevant as a 31 year old
- didn't cook or take care of himself
#26
A spotless enormous 4x4 truck with a 5-foot high hood with Punisher and Blue line stickers that gets 10mpg and has never seen a dirt road.
#27
Trying to date women who are 18-22 when he's 35+. From personal experience as the former 19 year old girl in these relationships, the men were always so, so immature and stunted.
Stardrop 18 hours ago
dating more than like 10 years younger is just a red flag in general. if a 30 year old is dating an 18 year old as soon as they turn 18, the 30 year old was probably grooming them.
Kelly Scott 3 hours ago
Maybe. Although Laura Ingalls Wilder's husband was ten years older than she was, a fact she tried to hide in her books.
Load More Replies... KatSaidThat 7 hours ago
I was told the 7 year "rule" - don't date anyone more than 7 years older or younger than you. Yes, I have been a cougar, no it didn't last long.
Earonn - 8 hours ago
The "get a younger partner" during their midlife crisis. Instead of facing the crisis, they run away and attempt to be 20 again. And then wonder why they are unhappy.
Bartlet for world domination 8 hours ago
The 'crisis' they face is their wife's menopause.
Load More Replies... #28
Any lack of:
* Self-awareness
* Self-reflection
* Accountability
* Capacity to repair
* Empathy
If any one of those are missing it makes every interaction 1000x more frustrating.
#29
Rampant misogyny, bigotry, etc. - thinking that all their problems are caused by some other group, when in reality THEY are their own biggest problem.
#30
Caring about body count or being icked o ut by anything menstruation related.
KatSaidThat 7 hours ago (edited)
and calling women sluts if their body count is more than 3. And actually term body count can f**k off - I read too much crime to think of it as a s****l term. HA! S****l apparently not banned!
#31
Failing to preform small adult life maintenance tasks like sorting through his mail, filing his taxes, making doctor’s appointments, or things like waiting until he’s completely out of toilet paper before buying more or waiting until he has absolutely no clean clothes before doing his laundry at the last possible minute, and being late to everything constantly. Also, not keeping track of important documents like paystubs, tax forms, birth certificate, social security card, etc.
Most of the other comments are examples of obvious behaviors, but these ones are really sneaky and you have to really get to know him before you realize he does any of these things.
Sally Moen 14 hours ago
They really are subtle. This would be a good question for those folks using dating apps: how do you select people that are responsible with their bills and health?
#32
Participating in the drama of younger co-workers.
#33
Pretending to not know the difference between healthy masculinity and toxic masculinity.
#34
Assuming your experience is true to everyone.
Fungus John 17 hours ago
the difference being womens experience is treated as gospel
Load More Replies... KatSaidThat 7 hours ago (edited)
Yes, not realising your experience is not the norm. Things you find out later in life.
#36
“I don’t plan anything, it’s just my personality”.
#38
Having no idea how to cook anything besides frozen food.
KatSaidThat 7 hours ago
NJP - you blaming a mother for a 30 year old manchild not learning to cook? D1ckhead.
Katharina Sei. 18 hours ago (edited)
Sure, because there are no cooking shows, books about cooking, and cooking classes... 🤷♂️
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#40
Dating someone way younger
Not asking questions / being able to hold conversations
Not being able to cook
Undecorated apartment (mattress on the floor, white walls)
Doesn’t go to doctor / dentist
Doesn’t understand basic women’s health facts (you’d be surprised how many men think women can’t pee with a tampon in).
Sally Moen 14 hours ago
Because sleeping on the floor and only having a chair and a table for the computer is immature. You want a girlfriend or having your friends over but you have no place for them to relax, nothing to enjoy. Exception for poor folks.
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Hassel Davidhoff 15 minutes ago
It's a commonly accepted red flag, at least in millennials and gens after, less so to boomers and gens before. It generally speaks to a midlife crisis at it's best and stinks of predatory grooming behavior at it's worst. A man in his thirties doesn't want to make a wife of an 18 year old, he wants a concubine. And when you defend THAT, you tell us a whole lot about yourself.
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#41
“Can I help with anything” …. When I’m doing chores and the house is a mess….
Papa 8 hours ago
To be fair, in this situation the man might just want some specific information about how he could be the most help.
Tutti Trolliet 3 hours ago
si hay platos para lavar, entonces vas a y los lavas. si hay ropa para lavar entonces pones la ropa a lavar. si hay basura que sacar entonces sacas la basura. no hacen falta instrucciones para esas cosas. en el dia a dia siempre va a haber compras que hacer, platos que lavar, basura que sacar o cosas para arreglar. hace un balance de prioridades y toma la iniciativa. y si asi y todo aun no asben por donde empezar se puede hacer un plan de tareas conjuntas. pero una vez que tenes el plan solo hay que hacer...
Load More Replies... #42
Had one get mad because I "unfriended them" on FB. *(I had actually shut my profile down a few months prior.)*
Not that this guy reached out, called, texted, emailed, or anything else. Just mad. Made snarky remarks when I finally joined a game with him and his little crew and decided it was enough.
No longer associating with that person.
KatSaidThat 6 hours ago
Lol. I unfriend people on their birthdays on FB if I have not seen/spoken to them for years. One did ask when I did that, so said "on your birthday". Pikachu.
#44
Projecting their mommy issues onto other women. In other words, deep down they hate their mom so they take it out on other women.
#45
When he doesn't even bother to show any interest in anything that isn't about/related to himself.
#46
When he says: “Men don’t talk about their feelings.”.
Stardrop 18 hours ago
when he says men, he means emotionally stunted losers because real men know how to be vulnerable and understand that it's not a sign of weakness.
Sally Moen 14 hours ago
What that means is they don't talk about feeling sad or lonely or awkward or hurt, but they do talk about the time they gave a beat down on that guy that one time, or the time they were driving and this other driver cut them off and how angry they got. They certainly can express their rage, but wouldn't acknowledge that as a feeling
#47
Cant keep a job for more than a couple months and its always someone else's fault.
KatSaidThat 6 hours ago
My halfblood sister wouldn't keep a job for more than a month or so and it was never her fault either. This is not just men.
#48
Men who can't fathom that some men aren't into talking about football 247.
CD Mills 3 hours ago
My late husband was a big football fan, and also a big basketball fan as well. He played both in Jr. High and HS and was pretty good at both sports. The funniest thing to me was that he also played baseball and his stats in baseball were better than either of his stats in football or basketball, but you couldn't pay him to watch a baseball game! I've always thought that baseball was fun to play but boring to watch.
#49
Insisting on being “the man” or being treated like a man or respected as the man of the house.
Fungus John 17 hours ago
insisting on being treated like a man? but I am a man, and I'd like to be treated as such
Kim Kermes 15 hours ago
Also depends on the definition of being treated like a man. The days of the Roman paterfamilias with life and death power over the family are long gone, well over 15 centuries ago.
Load More Replies... #50
I don't pay attention to politics or the news because it doesn't personally affect me as a white cis man.
Sally Moen 14 hours ago
Associated: "I don't vote (because reasons)" and I've heard this from men of many different races, and they do not hesitate to complain about politics.
#51
Not taking his own initiatives and had to be told what to do every step of the way.. like you’re an adult you know when you need to go to the store, clean or cook.
Not telling you when they’re mad about something so you have to drag it out of them.
Constantly farting .
#52
Someone who won’t do something when asked because it’s too difficult/annoying/pointless.
Fungus John 17 hours ago
the first 2 yes, but if its pointless then whats the point of doing it?
Earonn - 8 hours ago
They SAY it's pointless, in order to refuse it. "It's pointless to hoover, tomorrow the carpet will be dirty again!"
Load More Replies... #53
Hurting yourself, hurting others, and not taking responsibility for your own actions.
Kim Kermes 15 hours ago
I'm sorry if you have no one to care about you if you hurt yourself. Hurting yourself hurts everyone who cares about you.
Load More Replies... #54
A million hobbies or one hobby that takes priority over their intimate partner and children.
#55
Getting genuinely angry over sports.
KatSaidThat 6 hours ago
I have been genuinely angry over sports before. Had a massive rant. Went about the rest of my day.
Sally Moen 13 hours ago
Again, this ought to be taken off this list. There's so many folks of many ages and genders who get way too excited about their sport. Even imaginary sports like fantasy football
M M 9 hours ago
The fact that many people do that doesnt make it less valid.
Load More Replies... #56
I got so many!
- not being able to communicate
- not being able to handle money (eg spending frivolously on stuff they don’t need!)
- not dealing with issues, for eg from the past or in the relationship and having the “it’ll go away” attitude
- afraid of conflict
- drinking/partying irresponsibly/ excessively
- cheating
- lying
- lack of accountability for their own actions
- lack of “I can do it” attitude when faced with issues.
#57
Hanging out at a bar as a regular.
Phantom Phoenix 13 hours ago
But... "Sometimes you wanna go Where everybody knows your name And they're always glad you came You wanna be where you can see Our troubles are all the same You wanna be where everybody knows your name"
#58
Still dressing like they're in high school when they're over 24.
Ace 9 hours ago
Oddly specific. It's OK for a 24-y-o but as soon as they turn 25 they've got to change everything?
KatSaidThat 6 hours ago
That's like that stupid cow who said that real men don't use umbrellas and the fabulous response was "what, we become waterproof at 18?"
Load More Replies... #59
Not having a valid drivers license and having to rely on your wife or girlfriend to take you everywhere.
Andrei Iepure 14 hours ago
Why is not having a license bad? Not everybody needs to drive. Treating others like your personal chauffer is a d**k move tho
KatSaidThat 6 hours ago
Using that halfblood as an example again - my mother was losing her sight, her son used to f**k with snakes (probably still does). There were two ambulances in their town. She finally realised why she might actually need to learn to drive when I threw that into her argument.
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SCP 4666 14 hours ago
Again, I don't see why this is manchildlike. They have their reasons for not having a drivers license
Earonn - 8 hours ago
If the reason is "so I can always drink at parties" it IS immature, wouldn't you say?
Load More Replies... #60
When a man exclusively wears shorts. Please, for the love of god, buy some nice slacks. You're not a toddler! You need situation appropriate clothing options!!!
Ace 9 hours ago
Why do you need to gatekeep what other people choose to wear? I'd wear shorts all year round if I lived in a suitable climate. What's wrong with shorts? Oh, and "slacks"? Is that some specific sort of trousers where you come from, or do you just mean any long trousers?
Hassel Davidhoff 10 minutes ago
I live in Florida. I'll keep the shorts. You keep yer judgement on the other side of your eyeballs, thank you very much.
#61
Too many bumper stickers on your vehicle. And I don’t care what they say, it’s universal.
KatSaidThat 6 hours ago
These signs make me realise you are going to be overly cautious and more hazardous on the road than I would be.
#62
Wearing "Grunt Style" shirts when you never spent a day in the military. Also, wearing "Salt Life" t-shirts when you've never been on a boat.
M M 9 hours ago
I have a friend who's style is overly military (only khaki/brown color), jeep sort of a car, even the dog is malinois. I think that it's fragile masculinity tbh, like he could care less.
Load More Replies... KatSaidThat 6 hours ago
I have worn two shirts to two festivals for the irony - One Direction and Justin Bieber. The festival was SW4.
What do you think ?
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