Beards: The Secret to Success or the Kiss of Death?

Beards: The Secret to Success or the Kiss of Death?

Dear Healthy Men: Do women really find men with beards more attractive than clean-shaven guys? A: According to the old story, in 1860, Abraham Lincoln grew a beard in response to a suggestion from an 11-year-old girl who said it would make him a more attractive...
When It Comes to Stereotypes, Words Matter. A Lot.

When It Comes to Stereotypes, Words Matter. A Lot.

A few days ago, I heard a young father telling his son—who was probably around 10 or 11—to “man up.” I started thinking about that phrase and wondered about all the gender stereotyping we do without even realizing it. Are expressions like “man up” harmless parts of or...
Could Masculinity Be Killing Us?

Could Masculinity Be Killing Us?

Dear Healthy Men: How much do you think that masculinity could be hurting men? A: A lot. But I’d argue that it’s less masculinity itself and more the pressure to be a “real man”—which, thanks to phrases like “Man up,” “Play through it,” and “Big boys don’t cry,”...