Written by Partnership and Fatherhood are one of the most essential and defining roles in a man’s life. Partnership and Fatherhood come with joy but also with a set of responsibilities that can be emotionally taxing, in this episode, we delve into the complexities of the emotional presence of a man’s role in a relationship, which society expects to fulfill, even if they might thrive which can be extremely stressful whilst pursuing their career, passion, and aspirations and they continue to do so while they start their family entering Fatherhood. Being a supportive partner is one of the most happily fulfilling yet challenging roles a man can undertake. A partnership, whether in marriage or a committed relationship, demands constant effort, understanding, and emotional availability. Yet, societal norms often expect men to excel in this role without openly acknowledging their struggles or vulnerabilities. This emotional tightrope – balancing personal aspirations, family responsibilities, and relationship dynamics—places immense pressure on men, often leading to unspoken conflicts and mental strain. According to Societal Norms, men are never expected to express their vulnerability in front of anyone, but all of us are humans, every human is born with emotions yet not everyone can convey their vulnerability, in this case, since generations there have been certain emotions characterized by a different type of humans for eg: vulnerability and happiness being feminine and being cold and sternness to be masculine, But how long are we going to live by those stereotypes? Although Men are often raised in cultures that emphasize stoicism and emotional self-reliance. Expressing feelings or seeking support is sometimes viewed as a sign of weakness, even in their closest relationship sphere. This cultural baggage makes it challenging for men to navigate the emotional complexities of partnership, where vulnerability and open communication are key. For instance, being emotionally available for a partner who is going through a difficult time can be deeply rewarding but also draining at times. Men often find themselves caught in a cycle of wanting to “fix” problems—a behavior rooted in traditional gender roles when what their partner might need is empathy and understanding. This emotional disconnect can lead to frustration on both sides, as men may feel underappreciated for their efforts, while their partners may feel unheard or misunderstood. The concept of partnership has evolved significantly over the years. Those days have passed by when men were primarily seen as providers, with their roles confined to financial contributions. Today, they are expected to be equal participants in building emotional intimacy, sharing household responsibilities, and raising children. While these changes are positive, they also introduce a new set of expectations that many men feel ill-equipped to meet, because still in most families the upbringing of a male child and a female child is utterly different, so when the conditioning of a male child goes from 0 to partnership where they have to share responsibilities, things get difficult. The pressure to juggle work commitments and partnership responsibilities is another significant challenge. In many households, men still feel the burden of being primary breadwinners, even as gender roles continue to shift. Balancing the demands of a high-stress job with the emotional needs of a partner can lead to feelings of inadequacy and exhaustion. Consider the scenario of a man who spends long hours at work to provide financial stability. By the time he comes home, he may feel drained, leaving little energy for meaningful conversations or quality time with his partner. Over time, this dynamic can create emotional distance, even in a loving relationship. Additionally, modern relationships require a high degree of emotional intelligence, a skill that is not always emphasized in traditional male upbringing. Men are often expected to navigate complex emotions, mediate conflicts, and maintain a sense of calm, all while managing their internal struggles. The lack of societal support or open dialogue about these challenges exacerbates the pressure. One of the most significant hurdles for many men. Fear of judgment or rejection can prevent men from sharing their feelings, leading to misunderstandings and unresolved tensions. Partners might perceive this silence as indifference, further straining the relationship. Encouraging open and honest communication requires a shift in perspective. Men need safe spaces, both within their relationships and in society at large, where they can express their fears, frustrations, and vulnerabilities without fear of being labeled weak or inadequate or made feel vulnerable. This openness fosters deeper emotional connections and strengthens the bond between partners. One of the most overlooked aspects of partnership is self-care. Men often prioritize their partner’s needs and the overall well-being of the relationship over their own mental and emotional health. While this selflessness is commendable, it can lead to burnout and resentment over time if they are not heard out with understanding. To read more subscribe to foramz.com
Written by Mira
Last week we talked about how loneliness in youth can result in habits of smoking and vaping. To get into the root of the issue it is important to understand what leads to the youth’s attention drifting in the direction of such habits. You might have noticed how vaping and smoking have become common among the youth. Whether it’s at a house party, during a break at school, or even scrolling through social media, it’s everywhere. But have you ever wondered why are we turning to these habits? What is it that we are looking for in that puff of cigarette? It’s not always about looking cool or rebelling. For a lot of people, it’s about filling a void—loneliness, stress, or just trying to feel like we belong somewhere. Let us talk about the reasons one by one. The Weight of Loneliness Loneliness is a word that creeps at us. The feeling is not always obvious, but it’s there, creeping in late at night when we’re mindlessly scrolling through Instagram or TikTok. We see everyone else having fun, going to parties, traveling, and living their best lives. “But what about me?” A question that leaves us feeling lonely or in today’s language FOMO, we experience the fear of missing out. We feel left out like we don’t measure up or “fit in.” It’s a terrible feeling, right? And that’s when the idea of a quick escape—a vape pen or cigarette—starts to look tempting. For a moment, it feels like it takes the edge off, like it’s giving you a break from all the noise in your head but tragically, its adding on to that void. Trying to Fit In We’ve all been there—that moment when you’re hanging out with friends, and someone offers you a vape. You don’t really want to, but saying “no” feels impossible. You don’t want to seem lame or risk being left out. It’s tough because fitting in feels so important, the fear of being alone is so prominent that you take a puff. It’s not always about enjoying it; it’s about belonging, even if just for a moment. The Circle of Expectations Life can be stressful, even for youth. Between school, grades, extracurriculars, and trying to figure out what you want to do with your life, it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. In reality, it is not but the age, the surroundings, and societal pressure make us feel that way, which is completely natural. Add in the pressure to have a happening social life, look good, and keep up with everyone else, and it’s enough to make anyone crack. But vaping or smoking might not be the lifeline you are looking for. Vaping or smoking might feel like a way to take a breather, to calm your nerves. But the truth is, that relief doesn’t last. It’s just a temporary band-aid for a much bigger wound. Family and Emotional Struggles In some cases, the problem starts at home. Maybe your parents are too busy to notice what you’re going through, or maybe they just don’t get it. You feel invisible, like no one really understands or cares. Picking up a vape or a cigarette might feel like a way to take control, to do something for yourself. Or maybe it’s a way to say, “Hey, I’m hurting.” But here’s the thing: you’re not invisible, and people do care, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now. Things do change. The Hold of Marketing Have you ever noticed how vaping is made to look so cool? Flavors like mango, cotton candy, grapes, and mint—they’re not targeting adults; they’re targeting youth. The ads make it seem harmless, even fun and cool. But the reality is that these companies are selling them intentionally by promoting them as a “safer option” than cigarettes, which is totally a myth. Nicotine is one of the main ingredients in vape. It has harmful chemicals which can cause lung diseases and even cancer. The companies, just want your money. And once you’re hooked, it’s hard to stop. That’s how they win. Don’t let them. You’re Not Alone If you’re reading this and somewhere resonate with it don’t worry you are not alone. There are so many people out there who feel the same way you do. The world can be tough, and it’s okay to struggle. What’s important is that you don’t give up on yourself. You are worth more than a vape pen or cigarette. You’re stronger than you think, and you have an entire life to live full of possibilities. Do not let that temporary escape steal that from you. Stay strong, and remember you’ve got this. Here’s the truth: vaping and smoking won’t fix the loneliness, the stress, or the pressure. They might distract you from the pain for a little while, but in the long run, they’ll only make things harder. Addiction, health problems, guilt—none of that is worth it. So in the next week, we will see in detail how can we healthily cope with these emotions. Because you are not alone. Keep Reading Foramz for you daily dose of moral support.