I'm an adult male in my 30s. I work in an office. A co-worker (older male) recently lost his father. Him and I are very close. We talk about everything. We have been texting basically every day since his father's death. Arrangements, how I can help, thoughts, prayers, words of encouragement, letting him know I'm there. I'm not very emotional on the surface and have a very hard time expressing emotions. When he returned to work following his bereavement leave, I welcomed him with a hug and a chat. We shared some laughs and just thoughts on life and death and the absurdity of it all. Some of the women in the office have been catering to him a bit more outwardly and in my opinion making a show out of being there for him. Taking him to lunch, insisting they talk about things, crying for him and praying with him, etc. 2 of the women have been probing me on what I can be doing more for him and have made me feel "emotion shamed" if that's a word? I feel like it might be the equivalent of what they call "man-splaining" but put in an emotional context. I can't help but feel guilty or like I'm doing something wrong. Is there a term for this? Has anyone else felt this way or been treated by the opposite sex like this? Thank you.
Tldr; Women in office make me feel emotionless for not showing more outward affection for a co-worker who lost a loved one. Wondering if there's a term for this.
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Thanks, man. I needed to hear that. Easy to get sucked in to their trap when you're feeling bad for your friend.
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