Boys Also Feel: Why It’s Time to Talk About Men’s Emotional Struggles

Inspired by a heartfelt moment on The Changemaker Show with India’s first lady bodyguard, Veena Gupta

On a recent episode of The Changemaker Show, a powerful truth emerged — one we often overlook in everyday conversations:
Boys also feel pain. Boys also face pressure. Boys also need emotional support.

Renowned security expert and author Veena Gupta highlighted something that society rarely acknowledges openly:
We talk about women’s emotions, children’s needs, and family well-being — yet the emotional struggles of boys and young men often remain hidden behind silence and stereotypes.

“Ladkon ki vulnerability ki bhi baat honi chahiye.”

Veena Gupta’s words hit at the core of a deeper social issue.
From a young age, boys are told what they can’t do:

Crying is not allowed — because “boys don’t cry”

Wearing pink is judged — because it’s “not manly”

Being thin is mocked

Being overweight is also criticized

No matter what they do, someone is always questioning their masculinity.

This constant pressure creates emotional confusion — a struggle that many boys never find the courage to talk about.

The Rise of Silent Loneliness

Veena Gupta also points out something important:
When boys don’t get emotional support in real life, they search for connection in digital spaces.

“Unko bhi saathi chahiye… Loneliness is real.”

This loneliness is not about romance —
it’s about wanting someone who understands,
someone who listens without judgement,
someone who accepts their feelings as valid.

Yet society rarely gives them such space.

Masculinity Should Not Be a Burden

The idea of “perfect masculinity” forces boys to hide their emotions behind a mask.
They fear:

Being made fun of

Being misunderstood

Being told to “man up”

Being seen as weak

So they stay silent.
But silence doesn’t heal — it only deepens their struggle.

This emotional isolation follows them into adulthood, where the pressure to appear “strong” becomes even heavier.

This Conversation Is Not About Sides

Talking about boys’ emotions does not mean ignoring anyone else’s struggles.
It simply means understanding that emotional pain has no gender.

If we want healthier families and a kinder society, we must normalise conversations where boys can express themselves freely — without shame, without rules, without judgement.

What Boys Need — And Deserve

It’s time we tell our boys:

It’s okay to cry.

It’s okay to feel.

It’s okay to ask for help.

It’s okay to not be “perfect.”

It’s okay to be themselves.

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