• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Modest Man

  • .
  • Topics
    • Fashion
    • Shoes
    • Accessories
    • EDC
    • Hairstyles
    • Cologne
    • See All
  • Reviews
  • Outfit Ideas
  • About The Modest Man
    • Start Here
    • Contact
Home / Blog / Lifestyle
We earn a commission on some purchases you make through our site. Here's how affiliate links work.

15 Things Men Are Letting Go Of and Why It’s Making Them Better

Updated on September 24, 2025 by TMM Staff · Lifestyle

Man standing on a hilltop at sunrise with peaceful expression symbolizing personal growth
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Today’s man is realizing that growth isn’t always about gaining more, it’s about shedding what holds him back. Whether it’s a habit, belief, or outdated ideal, men who let go are making space for better relationships, deeper purpose, and real confidence. Letting go is not a weakness. It’s a quiet strength that modern masculinity now embraces. Here’s what men are walking away from and why it matters.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • The Need to Be Right All the Time
  • Outdated Definitions of Strength
  • Toxic Friendships
  • Pretending to Have It All Together
  • Fear of Therapy or Coaching
  • Hustle Culture at All Costs
  • Playing It Cool in Love
  • Avoiding Hard Conversations
  • Living for the Validation of Others
  • Hiding Creative Interests
  • Chasing Outdated Body Ideals
  • Hiding Struggles from Partners
  • Overconsuming to Cope
  • Defining Success by Money Alone
  • What Letting Go Is Really About
  • A New Kind of Masculinity
  • The Ripple Effect in Relationships
  • Letting Go Takes Practice
  • Share the Shift

The Need to Be Right All the Time

Couple having a calm, respectful conversation
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Men are learning that connection matters more than winning arguments. Releasing the need to always be right creates room for real communication. It strengthens relationships instead of scoring points. It shows maturity, not weakness. The best conversations happen when egos step aside.

Outdated Definitions of Strength

Man reflecting in a journal, embracing emotional strength
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Strength used to mean silence and stoicism. Now, strength is being redefined as emotional availability, empathy, and honesty. Men are learning to be open without feeling less masculine. Vulnerability is not a flaw, it’s a skill. It builds trust, not fear.

Toxic Friendships

Group of men drinking and becoming emotional
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Men are letting go of friendships built on one upping, judgment, or false bravado. Instead, they seek relationships that offer support, honesty, and growth. Loyalty now looks like accountability. If a friend only shows up for fun and never for real talk, he may be outgrown. Brotherhood is evolving.

Pretending to Have It All Together

Man talking in a group and pretending that everything’s fine
©Ahmet Kurt/Unsplash.com

More men are admitting when they need help, clarity, or space. The old act of pretending everything’s fine is being left behind. In its place: honesty, progress, and community. It’s okay to not have the answers. Growth begins where the performance ends.

Fear of Therapy or Coaching

Man receiving support during a modern counseling session
©Andrej Lišakov/Unsplash.com

Men are embracing therapy, coaching, and self work as tools, not taboos. Emotional fitness is now as important as physical health. Talking through your thoughts doesn’t make you broken. It makes you braver. The stigma is being replaced with self-respect.

Hustle Culture at All Costs

Man relaxing with coffee and a book in natural light
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Grinding non stop is no longer a badge of honor. Men are choosing balance over burnout. They’re making space for relationships, hobbies, and peace of mind. Success without rest is just stress. Letting go of hustle culture is how men are reclaiming quality of life.

Playing It Cool in Love

Man smiling while on a phone call or date
©bruce mars/Unsplash.com

Men are dropping the act of indifference in relationships. Instead of waiting to text back or pretending not to care, they’re being present and honest. Real interest is powerful. Being warm and expressive is now seen as confident, not clingy.

Avoiding Hard Conversations

Couple discussing relationship challenges with empathy
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Difficult talks used to be dodged. Now, they’re approached head on. Men are realizing that silence causes more damage than discomfort. The ability to say hard things kindly is becoming a skill worth developing. Growth comes from honesty.

Living for the Validation of Others

Man walking alone confidently in an urban setting
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Letting go of pleasing people means men can start living for themselves. Every choice doesn’t need applause. Inner alignment matters more than external approval. True confidence comes when you trust your own voice more than the crowd’s.

Hiding Creative Interests

Man painting or sketching in a minimalist studio
©Frames For Your Heart/Unsplash.com

Whether it’s painting, writing, or designing furniture, men are embracing their creative sides. The days of mocking creativity as “soft” are fading. Expression is a form of strength. A man who creates is a man who thinks deeply.

Chasing Outdated Body Ideals

Man hiking or doing outdoor fitness, smiling naturally
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Rugged, lean, muscular, or soft men are embracing health over hype. Body confidence now means strength, endurance, and peace, not a six pack. Letting go of shame opens the door to real self respect. The goal is function and freedom, not perfection.

Hiding Struggles from Partners

Couple connecting emotionally through honest sharing
©Katerina Holmes/Pexels.com

Men are learning that emotional transparency deepens intimacy. Instead of shielding their partners, they share their worries, pressures, and dreams. The result? Stronger trust, more teamwork. Silence creates distance; openness creates connection.

Overconsuming to Cope

Man replacing unhealthy habits and going for a run
©Benoît Deschasaux/Unsplash.com

More men are facing the urge to escape through drinking, scrolling, or spending. Instead of numbing, they’re choosing healthier outlets: movement, journaling, or talking. Letting go of coping crutches is a tough but powerful pivot. It creates space for clarity and healing.

Defining Success by Money Alone

Man hugging his partner,  having a meaningful moment with loved ones
©Jonathan Borba/Unsplash.com

Wealth without well being is no longer the goal. Men are measuring success by fulfillment, freedom, relationships, and legacy. Money still matters but not more than mental health or time with loved ones. Letting go of shallow metrics allows room for deeper rewards.

What Letting Go Is Really About

Man looking into mirror  reflecting on self growth and personal evolution
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

This shift isn’t about losing your edge, it’s about redefining it. Letting go allows men to reconnect with who they really are, not who they were told to be. It’s a choice rooted in strength, not softness. The world is changing, and so are men.

A New Kind of Masculinity

Confident man speaking in the conference room
©Yan Krukau/Pexels.com

Today’s masculinity values empathy, wisdom, and presence. It honors growth, not ego. The men who thrive now are the ones who listen, learn, and lead with integrity. The tough guy act? That’s old news. Quiet strength is the new flex.

The Ripple Effect in Relationships

Emotionally healthy couple embracing with mutual respect
©Leeloo The First/Pexels.com

As men let go of toxic habits, relationships deepen. Partners feel safer. Communication improves. Emotional maturity becomes the norm, not the exception. This shift benefits everyone.

Letting Go Takes Practice

Man tracking small but meaningful steps in his growth journey
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

These changes don’t happen overnight. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being intentional. Each habit dropped is a step closer to freedom and authenticity. The work is slow but rewarding. Progress beats perfection every time.

Share the Shift

Man talking to a friend over coffee, both engaged and open
©RDNE Stock project/Pexels.com

If you’ve started letting go of what no longer serves you, share this journey with someone else. Your vulnerability might give another man permission to do the same. Growth is contagious. Start small, speak honestly, and keep going. Real change begins one choice at a time.

Lifestyle

Related Posts
A man and woman breaking up
Modern Relationships Fail in 19 Ways That Have Nothing to Do With Cheating
A man thinking
When a Woman Stops Doing These 17 Things, She’s Already Letting Go
A man and woman turning their back from each other
If Your Relationship Feels “Off” in These 19 Ways, It’s Already Ending
A man and woman close to each other and have a heart figure between them
19 Signs You’re Trying to Save a Relationship That’s Already Over
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.

More Articles by This Author

Facebook Twitter Instagram

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download). No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Reader Interactions

Ask Me Anything Cancel reply

Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

Primary Sidebar

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download).

No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Trending Articles
A person's hands typing on a silver laptop displaying the Hulu streaming service interface with various show thumbnails.
12 Series Finales That Sparked Major Fan Backlash
Seiko 5 SNK805
35 Great Watches for Small Wrists
Men over 40 style
“Old Man Style”: Advanced Age Is the New Sartorial Prime
Fashion brands for short men
Stride in Confidence: Where To Buy Clothes For Short Men
Best Business Casual Shoes for Men
Business Casual Shoes for Men: The 8 Best Options to Step Out in Style
Topics
  • Clothing & Style
  • Outfit Ideas
  • Fitness
  • Product Reviews
  • Dating & Confidence
  • Grooming
  • Men of Modest Height
  • Income Reports
Top 10 Brands
  1. Uniqlo
  2. Nordstrom
  3. Warby Parker
  4. J. Crew
  5. J. Crew Factory
  6. Amazon
  7. Thursday Boot Co.
  8. Mr. Porter
  9. Banana Republic

Footer

The Modest Man logo

Home • Blog • Resources • Contact • Advertise

 

Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosure • Terms & Conditions • Sitemap

 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Copyright © 2025 The Modest Man (Registered Trademark)