17 Ways Men Suffer From Negative Body Image Just Like Women

Men suffer from unrealistic expectations from society and media just like women do.

While it may not seem as prevalent, the strong pressure for us to have a perfect body and act hyper-masculine is everywhere.

From a very young age, boys are expected to always 'be tough', 'man up' and behave like 'macho men' all the time.

Unlike women, men don't often talk to their friends about their insecurities.

If we're not constantly acting like an athletic stud-muffin who wants to drink beer and get in fights, then we're automatically labeled a 'p*ssy'.

In addition, we have to sleep with (or at least pretend to sleep with) dozens of women in order to have our masculinity confirmed by our peers and society.

On top of all of that, we have to make enough money to be considered desirable by women.

And if we aren't 6'3" with sculpted abs, ripped arms, and a perfectly chiseled jaw line, well then forget about it!

Needless to say, the inability to meet all of these requirements can take a toll on the way we see ourselves.

Negative body image can prevent us from feeling confident enough to pursue dating or romantic relationships.

Because once we do, we feel as though we have to have the sexual stamina of a porn star in order to please our partners.

And if we don't "measure up" in the bedroom as expected, our insecurities are only perpetuated.

So trust us when we say we worry about our appearance a lot more than you might think!

Although the symptoms don't always look the same, men can be victims of things like eating disorders and exercise addiction as well.

Seeking treatment for these issues is commonly stigmatized because these are considered "women's issues" and asking for help is not manly.

Needless to say, the pressure to be perfect exists just as much for men as it does for women.

So next time you think men have it easy, consider that we have a lot more in common with women than you think!