Hi Darkx,

I agree with you completely.

For me, being male in america, having been born in the late 60s, I've witnessed the shift in gender roles. I'm glad that this change has happened, but growing up in the middle of it has been difficult. I think it could be compared to trying to grow through early childhood, puberty and then adolescence, in the middle of a crazy, crowded cafeteria in the middle of a crazy foodfight. It seemed like everyone was an expert, and noone was willing to listen to anybody else.
My father was in a difficult position. His parents had taught him that men earned money, while women cared for chilren and home. He was the last of this breed, at least in the acceptable sense. I think he was just as disoriented as I with all the turmoil of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Noone seemed to know right from wrong, noone. I had to figure these things out for myself, using trial and error and listening to people who I trusted give their opinions about gender roles. People seem to know right from wrong in a better was now, though they don't always do right and sometimes choose wrong.

I agree that people can't survive well alone. We have emotional needs and my mind seems to implode and malfunction without help from others. I don't allow myself to be ashamed of this, even though some people seem to want me to be ashamed of needing help to survive.

I have difficulty espressing Love still. Receiving Love also can be awkward. I've learned to do these things anyway, and there are great rewards to learning to do these things for me.

I have to go now. I enjoyed reading your post, it is reassuring to know other people feel the way I do about gender roles and emotional needs being important.

Peace, A.