At 14, I was already living alone and making my own decisions. It’s crazy when I think about it now because no one stopped me or seemed worried if anything happened. After all, I was the boy child.

I was talking to a lady who’s over 24. She mentioned that she lives alone, and I asked her about it more than once in different conversations. She got offended because she felt I didn’t see her that way. The truth is, when she first said it, I was a bit skeptical. Even at 24, she still seemed like a girl to me, and I could sense her struggle. I just couldn’t imagine her parents allowing that. But I was wrong, and yes, she can live on her own. It’s just the way the narrative has always been shaped.

Another thing is the emotional aspect. Women are quick to use words like manipulation and gaslight, and most social trends tend to favor a complaining woman. As men, we have learned to move on quickly even when we are hurt. We have learned to carry certain burdens because it is seen as normal. So most times, I understand when people say men hurt a lot more than women and are more misunderstood too.

Are we equal? I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think men are valued enough for the struggles they face growing up. Let me not even talk about a man without money because that is an entirely different story 🤣