Recently I became aware of the fact, that men are allowed to be childish and play well into adulthood.

I remember as a child that the toys I played with were seen as childish by others and was so embarrassed that I stopped playing with my dolls. In movies and TV those views were only further amplified, and looking back I realize that many of my friends must have had the same realization. We stopped playing our games in breaks and started reading or doing our homework. The boys in my class never stopped playing. They continued playing in breaks and in class well into high school, even disrupting class. (Which was never seen as something bad, because play is good and healthy 🙄)

Now, watching TV I realized that this continues into adulthood. Men are allowed to be playful and childish, though it is never labeled as such. They are funny or spontaneous or wild, it is almost always seen in a positive light.

Women on the other hand who have managed to retain some sense of playfulness are punished for it. They are gladly labeled childish or weird and are told to grow up.

Ever noticed how many men are incapable of sitting still for functions they deem boring? Or having to have a mobile game on hand at all times, sitting in a corner at any event? Not being able to listen without getting distracted? Needing most of every day to be a fun activity? These are all red flags 🚩 They are still living as though they were in grade school and will need you to manage all of their emotional needs.