We Asked People Around The UK What Being A Man Means To Them

"Gender shouldn't define who you are."

1.

Fox / Via starscream-and-hutch.tumblr.com

To me, being a man involves:

* Carrying things

* Staying out of the way

– Nick W., Reading

2.

TNT / Via moviefone.com

Being a man is being a rock! A support system for your family and friends. You should be less emotional, more solid. Being a man is making decisions and taking accountability.

– Brandon K., Kent

3.

StudioCanal / Via mrwgifs.com

A real man isn't afraid to say, "I'm not drinking tonight." And a real man respects that decision.

– Anish H., Derby

4.

Disney / Via gifhunterress.tumblr.com

There's a load of pressure within the gay male community to be "masculine". And men who aren't "masculine" are like a lesser version.

I think being a man is just being true to who you are, whether you're a "manly" guy or not – but not everyone sees it that way.

– Freddie H., Liverpool

5.

cheezburger.com

A man gets shit done. But they do it the right way. Simple as that.

– James T., Hastings

6.

HBO / Via desperateandunrehearsed.wordpress.com

A lot of people see it as chivalry, but I don't agree. Holding a door open for someone is a kind thing to do – and we should do this more often! But hold the door open for everyone!

Treat everyone how you would like to be treated yourself – and don't be a douche.

– Ben P., London

7.

Fox / Via canwehaveapooldad.wordpress.com

You want to be someone's hero. That's what you're aiming for: to be respected for doing the right things and filling your role as a father, son, husband, etc.

– Evan P., Manchester

8.

NBC / Via feministfilm.tumblr.com

Being a man is being a feminist. Being a man is recognising that all these "macho" and "lad" ideals are really harmful to men and women and challenging those attitudes.

– Richard B., Swansea

9.

ohmagif.com

A real man shouldn't be afraid of what people thinks of them. For example, why shouldn't they take paternity leave and the mother stay at work? In fact, why should one have to sacrifice their career to start a family?

– Ben P., London

10.

Nickelodeon / Via reactiongifs.com

Men should be strong, even when they feel weak. You have to be strong for everyone else, especially when things start to get tough. Even when you have no idea what you're doing, strong men keep things on a level.

– Greg N., London

11.

Film4 Productions / Via ixdaily.com

The idea of "being a man" is so superficial. Men should play sport, men should look like men, etc. You should be "one of the lads", talk shit, be loud.

So, yeah, I think that being a man or masculine is kind of a stupid idea. Just be a decent human being, whatever your gender.

– Ben A., Doncaster

12.

reactiongifs.com

A man should be able to step up and take responsibility when the situation calls for it. To make a bold decision when things get tough. But to also be brave enough to admit when you need help.

– Paul D., Bristol

Does a beard make you more manly? Lynx asked a group of guys what masculinity means to them. Watch the video below and tell us what it means to you.

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