Hey Guys, It’s Okay to Feel Things
Hey Guys: It’s Okay to Feel Things (And Here’s How to Recognize What You’re Feeling)
Growing up, a lot of boys are told to “man up,” “stay strong,” or “don’t be so emotional.” You might hear that showing feelings is weak, or that guys are supposed to “just get over it.” But here’s the truth: real strength is knowing what you feel and dealing with it in a healthy way.
Emotions are normal. Everyone has them. But if you’ve been taught to ignore or hide your feelings, it can be hard to even know what you're feeling in the first place.
So let’s talk about how to actually recognize your emotions—without judgment, without shame, and without feeling like you’re doing something wrong.
Why It Matters
When you understand your emotions, you can:
Make better choices
Communicate more clearly
Avoid blowing up or shutting down
Feel more in control of your life
Step 1: Pause and check in
When something feels off—maybe your heart is racing, your chest is tight, or you just want to punch a pillow—pause. Take a breath. Ask yourself: “What’s really going on here?” Sometimes anger is covering up sadness, fear, or embarrassment.
Step 2: Name it
Try to put a word to what you’re feeling. Angry? Nervous? Left out? Disappointed? It’s okay if it takes practice. You’re learning a new skill—and that takes time.
Step 3: Know that all emotions are okay
Feeling sad doesn’t make you weak. Feeling frustrated doesn’t make you bad. Every emotion has a purpose—it’s your mind and body trying to tell you something. The more you accept your feelings, the easier it is to deal with them in healthy ways.
Step 4: Express it (safely)
You don’t have to talk to everyone about your feelings, but don’t bottle them up. Write them down, talk to someone you trust, or move your body—go for a run, lift weights, or play music. Just find a way to let it out.
Step 5: Be kind to yourself
You’re human. You’re allowed to feel things. You’re allowed to not have it all figured out. Every time you name a feeling instead of ignoring it, you’re building emotional strength—and that’s something to be proud of.