…(e.g. all my past and current girlfriends have said to me to “man up” and act more masculine wayyy more than my old-school dad, my hot male gym instructor, etc.) Most of the time I say “fuck you” in a kind way, since toxic masculinity is something I do not tolerate, I’m sick of it and I’m sick of the lack of attention it’s getting. Am I correct for acting that way? Do I really need to “man up” (as a bisexual man, I’ve had some serious problems with caring about how “manly” I am)?
Short answer: you don’t need to “man up,” Your girlfriends don’t get to establish an acceptable level of manliness for you. Be the man that you are in the way that is right for you. The world needs men who defy the societal expectations of a manly man. It’s also not your responsibility to change the minds of people who act this way towards you, but letting them know it’s not OK is a good first step.