Hi, I’m 17 yr old girl, and I’ve been thinking about something that I don’t really know how to phrase without sounding offensive but I genuinely want perspective. I’ve always felt drawn to what people call “old-school” things classic cars, older music, films where love felt intentional, not casual or performative. I know the past wasn’t perfect, especially for women, and I’m grateful that today we have more awareness and legal protection. I’m not romanticizing abuse or inequality. But I’ve been confused about something when it comes to boys my age. A few years ago, a senior in my school liked me. I rejected him respectfully. Instead of accepting it, he created a fake account copying mine and later threatened to make AI-edited images of me. It was one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life, and I left social media after that. Since then, I’ve noticed similar patterns around me: Boys who can’t handle rejection without reacting emotionally or aggressively Boys who say “I love you” casually to multiple girls Boys who shame girls after being turned down A lot of joking, but very little emotional maturity It makes me wonder why does it feel like some young men today struggle with basic communication, confidence, and handling rejection? When I speak to older men teachers, relatives, family friends they often seem calmer and more grounded in how they interact with women. I don’t know if that’s just age and maturity, or if something cultural has shifted. I’m not saying all boys are like this. I know good ones exist. But I do find myself wishing more young men were emotionally strong able to take rejection with dignity, communicate clearly, and show confidence without hostility. Maybe I’m just not aligned with modern dating culture. Maybe I’m idealizing the past. I honestly don’t know. I’d really like perspective from older generations: 1. Were young men always this way at 16–18? Has social media changed how boys form identity and confidence? What does “healthy masculinity” look like today? I’m asking this sincerely, not to attack anyone just to understand. submitted by /u/Mitochondria__7
Originally posted by u/Mitochondria__7 on r/AskMen
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