Random thought over coffee... ☕
We spend years teaching boys that vulnerability is weakness.
We spend years telling girls they're "too emotional."
Then they grow up, meet each other, and suddenly we're shocked that one struggles to express emotions while the other is made to feel guilty for having them.
I don't think those things are unrelated...
Am I reaching?
The phrase "Be a man" has always fascinated us because nobody ever explains what it means.
Don't cry?
Don't ask for help?
Don't be vulnerable?
Or does it really mean:
"Don't make other people uncomfortable with your emotions."
Because when people are taught that emotions are something to suppress, we also teach everyone else to see emotional expression as a problem.
One of the most expensive career lessons you’ll learn is that professionalism isn’t people-pleasing. It’s knowing your value, communicating clearly, and protecting your capacity.
@LaptopandLatte I used to think saying “yes” to everything made me look committed. Turns out, protecting my time and setting clear boundaries is far more professional than being constantly available.
@LaptopandLatte The advice that disappointed me most? “Just keep your head down and your work will speak for itself.”
Good work deserves recognition, but it still needs visibility. Competence without positioning is often overlooked.