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15 Habits Modern Men Are Letting Go Of

Updated on July 21, 2025 by TMM Staff · Lifestyle

A modern, reflective man contemplating personal growth and evolving masculinity
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Modern masculinity is not about tearing men down. It’s about letting go of what no longer serves us. From toxic expectations to emotional suppression, today’s man is rewriting the playbook and becoming stronger, more self aware, and more connected in the process.

Table of Contents

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  • Letting Go of “Never Show Emotion”
  • No More “One Upping” Other Men
  • Walking Away from Relationship Games
  • Releasing the “Provider Only” Identity
  • Dropping the “Tough Guy” Act
  • Saying Goodbye to Body Image Shame
  • Breaking the Silence Around Mental Health
  • Leaving “Locker Room Talk” Behind
  • Letting Go of Overworking as Identity
  • Releasing Fear of Asking for Help
  • Dropping Outdated Dating Scripts
  • Ending the Fear of Being Alone
  • Walking Away from Image Based Masculinity
  • Saying No to Emotional Withholding
  • Letting Go of Being the “Fixer”
  • Replacing “Alphas” with Allies
  • Ditching the “Never Cry” Rule
  • Rewriting What “Being a Man” Means
  • Less Pressure, More Power

Letting Go of “Never Show Emotion”

Man expressing emotion in a supportive setting, breaking old stereotypes
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Suppressing feelings isn’t a strength. Men today are embracing emotional honesty, and it’s improving their relationships, mental health, and self respect.

No More “One Upping” Other Men

Men doing teamwork instead of competing for dominance
©Helena Lopes/Unsplash.com

Healthy competition has its place, but trying to outdo every man in the room? Exhausting. Modern men are choosing collaboration over constant comparison.

Walking Away from Relationship Games

A couple having a sincere, calm conversation over coffee
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Ghosting, manipulation, mixed signals, men are done with that. The shift is toward direct, honest communication that builds actual connection.

Releasing the “Provider Only” Identity

Man cooking with his partner contributing to household equally, not just financially
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

It’s not all about money anymore. Today’s man brings emotional support, shared responsibilities, and equal partnership to the table.

Dropping the “Tough Guy” Act

A man calmly helping someone in need showing emotional strength through compassion
©Ramsés Cervantes/Unsplash.com

Men don’t have to posture with aggression or bravado. True toughness today is being kind, composed, and secure in who you are.

Saying Goodbye to Body Image Shame

Man embracing fitness for wellness, not aesthetic perfection
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Men are ditching the pressure to look a certain way. Fitness is now about feeling good, not fitting an unrealistic mold.

Breaking the Silence Around Mental Health

A man journaling in a casual, comfortable setting
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

More men are opening up about therapy, anxiety, and emotional challenges. It’s not a weakness. It’s a modern wellness move.

Leaving “Locker Room Talk” Behind

Man choosing not to engage in toxic conversations
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Sexist jokes and toxic group dynamics are no longer a badge of masculinity. Men are speaking up and walking away when needed.

Letting Go of Overworking as Identity

Man spending time with family balancing work and personal life, prioritizing wellness
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Grinding 24/7 isn’t the flex it used to be. Men are prioritizing balance, purpose, and time with people they care about.

Releasing Fear of Asking for Help

A man opening up to a mentor in a relaxed setting
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Whether it’s emotional support, advice, or guidance, asking for help is now seen as strength, not failure.

Dropping Outdated Dating Scripts

A couple making plans together on equal footing
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Modern men are learning that leadership in relationships doesn’t mean control. It means equality, shared decisions, and mutual respect.

Ending the Fear of Being Alone

Man at the airport ready to enjoy a solo weekend
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Desperation isn’t attractive. Men today are learning to enjoy their own company and build full lives, with or without a partner.

Walking Away from Image Based Masculinity

A man in simple, clean clothes enjoying time with friends
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Watches, cars, status symbols, none of it means much without substance. Today’s man is letting his values speak louder than his wardrobe.

Saying No to Emotional Withholding

A man opening up during a sunset walk
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Playing it cool doesn’t work anymore. Men are learning that showing how you feel at the right time is attractive and mature.

Letting Go of Being the “Fixer”

A man listening attentively while his partner speaks
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Sometimes, your role is just to listen. Men are learning to stop trying to fix everything and start practicing presence and empathy.

Replacing “Alphas” with Allies

Group of men helping in the clean up drive of the community
©Andy Quezada/Unsplash.com

The myth of the alpha male is outdated. Real influence today comes from being approachable, trustworthy, and inclusive.

Ditching the “Never Cry” Rule

A man letting out tears in a safe, supported space
©Aakash Malik/Unsplash.com

Men cry. Full stop. Whether it’s joy, grief, or stress, allowing emotion to move through makes space for healing and depth.

Rewriting What “Being a Man” Means

A man journaling focused on growth
©Andriyko Podilnyk/Unsplash.com

Masculinity is now defined by how you treat others, how you care for yourself, and how real you’re willing to be.

Less Pressure, More Power

A man walking confidently toward a sunrise, symbolizing growth
©Nikki Rowaan/Unsplash.com

Letting go isn’t losing power, it’s gaining freedom. Men who release outdated habits are making room for healthier love, deeper friendships, and a more fulfilling life. This is masculinity that moves us forward.

Lifestyle Everlane

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About TMM Staff

The Modest Man staff writers are experts in men's lifestyle who love teaching guys how to live their best lives.

If an article is published under TMM Staff, that means multiple writers worked on it. For example, sometimes several of us have experience with a certain brand, so we collaborate to publish a more thorough review.

Or, if an article was originally written by one person, but then it was updated by someone else, we'll re-publish it under TMM Staff.

Remember: all of our articles (including those below) are written by real people with decades of combined experience in men's fashion and lifestyle topics.

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