If I were a man I wouldn’t have to worry about being catcalled on the street. I wouldn’t have to worry about being taken seriously in professional settings. My knowledge wouldn’t be questioned. I would be able to walk around with no worries about being attacked or harassed. I could live my life without having to be painfully aware of my every move. I could wear what I want without being called a “slut”. I could eat what I want, and go on walks/runs at night. I could be a boss without being a “bitch”. I would not have to be hypervigilant.
I think it would be interesting to experience what being a cis-gendered man was like for a day. I would wake up and shower. Go to my classes, do my homework. I probably would still like some of the same things I do now. I would probably play video games, go on walks, and listen to music. I would probably do something with my friends at some point. As I am now, I have noticed that cisgender heterosexual men, do not tend to have deep fulfilling emotional relationships. I think I would be incredibly lonely without my friendships. My relationships are critical to my success as a person. I need to feel that emotional bond and connection to people to feel safe and heard. I value my emotional stability as a person.
I do not mean to say that all men are lonely, I have just noticed it is not the same as with more feminine people. I think if I was a man my mental health would have gone untreated for much longer than was. I think I would fall victim to societal expectations like many men. I do not think that is something that would be different. I would of course like to think as much, but I understand how easy it is to fall into something like toxic masculinity. Basing that off almost everyone needs to feel like they belong. I know from my personal experience that I saw so many boys I grew up with turn into men who were very very different than they were. If I was a man I would try to be my best self, but would make many mistakes. Ultimately there’s no way to know just how different I would be. I morally would try to do my best to be the best person I can be.
