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15 “Unmanly” Things Men Secretly Love Doing

Updated on September 10, 2025 by TMM Staff · Lifestyle

A man with a beard and a white robe is applying a facial mask with a brush.
©Getty Images /Unsplash.com

Men have carried the weight of outdated expectations for far too long. Society says guys should be stoic, rugged, and uninterested in anything that looks “soft.” The truth is, most men have a list of guilty pleasures they rarely admit out loud, and that doesn’t make them any less masculine. These habits, hobbies, and quirks are simply part of being human and wanting comfort, connection, and fun. Think of this as a nod from an older brother telling you it’s fine to enjoy the little things that make life better without worrying about anyone’s judgment.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Binge-Watching Reality TV
  • Bubble Baths and Spa Days
  • Rom-Com Movies
  • Buying Skincare Products
  • Attending Yoga or Stretching Classes
  • Gossip (Yes, Really)
  • Singing Along to Pop or Boy Bands
  • Journaling or Writing Thoughts
  • Following Fashion or Lifestyle Influencers
  • Trying New Hairstyles or Colors
  • Making Handmade Gifts
  • Decorating for Holidays
  • Spa-Grade Grooming
  • Crying at Movies
  • Taking Too Many Photos

Binge-Watching Reality TV

A happy man sits on a couch, holding a remote control and smiling at the camera.
©Vitaly Gariev /Unsplash.com

Men are not limited to sports or gritty documentaries when it comes to TV. A lot of guys secretly look forward to the drama of cooking competitions, dating shows, or home renovation series. There is something oddly comforting about the structure, the suspense, and the payoff of these shows. They provide an escape from the daily grind while keeping the brain lightly entertained. Nobody needs to know that you’re rooting for your favorite contestant in the same way you’d cheer for a sports team.

Bubble Baths and Spa Days

A happy man is smiling with his eyes closed while relaxing in a bubble bath.
©Paulina Herpel/Unsplash.com

A long soak in the tub or an afternoon at the spa can be more refreshing than any workout. Men who try it often realize how much stress melts away when warm water and quiet take over. Add scented candles or a massage, and suddenly the body feels ten years lighter. It is less about being “pampered” and more about giving yourself the reset you rarely allow. Self-care should not carry labels—it is just smart maintenance.

Rom-Com Movies

A happy man in bed smiles while holding a remote control and watching television.
©Getty Images /Unsplash.com

Romantic comedies get a bad rap among men, but the truth is they deliver solid entertainment. They mix humor with real emotion, and the payoff feels good after a long day. Plenty of guys claim they only watch them because of their partner, yet they end up invested in the characters. The laughs are genuine, and the stories usually hit familiar themes about relationships. Watching one doesn’t mean you’ve lost an ounce of masculinity; it only means you enjoy a good story.

Buying Skincare Products

A happy man with a towel around his neck is looking at his reflection while touching his face.
©Getty Images /Unsplash.com

A clean face, fewer wrinkles, and less razor burn should be worth anyone’s attention. Men who invest in decent skincare quickly see the benefits in the mirror. It is no longer just about grabbing the cheapest soap on the shelf. There is nothing weak about wanting to look healthy and refreshed. The effort pays off in confidence and comfort, and that is something every man can respect.

Attending Yoga or Stretching Classes

Two men on yoga mats are doing a forward fold and touching their toes.
©Getty Images /Unsplash.com

Flexibility and calm are surprisingly appealing to men. Yoga or guided stretching can help alleviate stress, promote recovery, and enhance focus. Many keep it private to avoid jokes, but the benefits are real. Feeling strong and relaxed is worth a little social awkwardness.

Gossip (Yes, Really)

Two men are laughing and talking while sitting at a table with drinks and food.
©Natalia Blauth /Unsplash.com

Men share updates and stories more than they realize. It might not be labeled as gossip, but that’s what it is. Whether it is about coworkers, old classmates, or even celebrities, guys enjoy swapping details. The back-and-forth gives connection and keeps conversations alive. Pretending otherwise only hides what everyone already knows.

Singing Along to Pop or Boy Bands

A man with headphones on is singing into a mop handle, pretending it's a microphone.
©Getty Images /Unsplash.com

Even the most “serious” men secretly jam to catchy tunes. Singing along in private or in the car is stress-relieving. The fun lies in letting go of judgment and enjoying music freely. Enthusiasm is more important than style.

Journaling or Writing Thoughts

A man in a white T-shirt sits in a wicker chair, writing in a journal.
©Juan Pablo Donadías /Unsplash.com

Many men enjoy putting pen to paper without telling anyone. Journaling helps process ideas, vent frustrations, or just record life’s little moments. It can feel private and therapeutic, a space where honesty reigns. Writing does not make a man less masculine—it shows he values reflection and clarity.

Following Fashion or Lifestyle Influencers

A fashionable man in sunglasses, a tie, and a camel coat is holding a wallet outdoors.
©Mohamad Khosravi /Unsplash.com

Keeping up with influencers is more common than most men admit. Observing style, décor, or grooming tips provides inspiration. Men enjoy adapting ideas for themselves without anyone noticing. It’s discreet, practical, and satisfying.

Trying New Hairstyles or Colors

A bearded man in a salon chair is smiling as a barber stands behind him.
©Getty Images /Unsplash.com

Experimenting with haircuts or even color can be thrilling. Men enjoy the small change in appearance and how it affects confidence. Personal style experiments are private expressions of creativity. It feels bold without being publicized.

Making Handmade Gifts

A man is making pottery in a studio with a finished vase on a table.
©Getty Images /Unsplash.com

Crafting a gift by hand, whether baking, knitting, or building, brings satisfaction. Men enjoy surprising friends or family with thoughtful, personalized items. It reflects care without needing recognition. Handmade creations are small victories that feel meaningful.

Decorating for Holidays

A man in a green flannel shirt is hanging blue tinsel in a kitchen decorated for the holidays.
©A. C. /Unsplash.com

Men secretly enjoy decorating for holidays beyond minimal effort. From Halloween pumpkins to Christmas lights, the process can be fun and creative. Seeing the finished setup gives pride and seasonal joy. Decorations make the house feel alive and festive.

Spa-Grade Grooming

A person in black gloves is applying a product to a man's face during a spa treatment.
©Pablo Merchán Montes/Unsplash.com

Manicures, pedicures, and facials sound like luxuries, but they are also practical. Clean nails, smooth skin, and overall freshness can make a big difference in how a man feels. The stigma surrounding grooming stems from outdated stereotypes, rather than reality. It is about being healthy and presentable, which matters in both personal and professional settings. Once men experience the comfort, it is hard to ignore the benefits.

Crying at Movies

A man on a couch holds his face with one hand and a remote control with the other.
©Getty Images /Unsplash.com

Strong stories and emotional scenes hit everyone, even the toughest men. Tears might be wiped away quickly, but they are real. Movies create a safe space to feel without explanation. Men who allow themselves that moment often find it powerful rather than weak. It shows depth, not fragility, and that truth deserves more acceptance.

Taking Too Many Photos

A man is taking a selfie with his iPhone, wearing sunglasses and a jacket.
©Maxim Potkin /Unsplash.com

Whether it is sunsets, food, or pets, plenty of men love snapping photos. They may act casual about it, but phones are filled with saved moments. Documenting life has become second nature and brings joy when looking back. Capturing memories does not reduce toughness; it enriches experiences. Those pictures tell the story of a life lived with awareness and connection.

Lifestyle

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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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