How to Understand the Moods of Men

While most men will say women corner the market when it comes to moodiness, women will beg to differ. However, the nuances of the moods of men are different from those of women—a phenomenon that is both cultural and physiological. Here are some factors to consider.

Instructions

Moods

1. Consider the cultural context of the moods of men. In our culture, as in most, men hear from a very early age that “boys don’t cry.” Men have the same emotional spectrum as women do, but with limited avenues for expression in this cultural context, as a consequence their moods do not reflect what it is they are actually feeling.

2. Recognize that men have hormonal cycles, just as women do but there is far less talk about male hormone levels and their effects on the moods of men. In fact, men experience increases and decreases in testosterone levels throughout the day, every day. One term for the emotions expressed by males when testosterone levels are low is “irritable male syndrome.”

3. Be aware that hormonal changes in males vary with age. Males have high testosterone levels in their twenties and thirties but these levels show a gradual decrease with age. Comparable to female menopause, male andro-pause can also cause serious mood swings in men.

4. Realize that because men have fewer socially acceptable outlets for the full spectrum of human emotions, often they express sadness, insecurity or anxiety as withdrawal or anger.

5. Withdrawing: Although it remains unclear whether it is a cultural or genetic difference, women tend to seek social support and talk about problems, whereas men more often process problems internally. Therefore, a man actively engaged in internal problem solving might appear to be in a quiet or withdrawn mood.

Tips & Warnings

• A willingness to listen when men do talk, as well as avoiding judgment, will go a long way towards facilitating communication with men.

• Encourage honest expression of the full range of human emotions in young boys and in grown men.