this post was submitted on 27 Nov 2023
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Mental Health

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Defined as a preoccupation with one’s perceived lack of muscularity, muscle dysmorphia is becoming increasingly prevalent, causing what experts are calling a ‘silent crisis’ in men’s mental health

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[–] [email protected] 9 points 2 years ago (6 children)

Do they even lift, bro?

But seriously these guys need to just pay attention to women if that's what they want the muscles about. Women are not out there just drooling over muscles all the time, they mostly want a generally fit body, maybe abs and stuff. Big muscly bodybuilders are probably going to attract more gays than women.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 2 years ago (1 children)

ATTENTION!! This kid speaks for all women!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (2 children)

You can ignore my advice at your own risk, but I know what I'm talking about with women. If there were any on here they would probably chime in to agree that big muscles are not an important feature for a man to look good.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 2 years ago (1 children)

You have no idea what you're talking about because you're generalizing what another person finds attractive.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

You have no idea what I know about and what experiences I've had, because if you were on my level you would recognize the truth that I shared. Sorry about your luck there.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

One thing I know for certain is that you're abrasive.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 2 years ago

Only when people are jerks to me first.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 2 years ago

I've seen a meme that included Henry Cavill as the Witcher as someone who is not muscular, so the unrealistic expectation is there.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

For example, compare these two cover photos of Hugh Jackman. The one for women is not the one with a shirtless man and rippling muscles

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

That comment is incredibly high on the Sapho and her Friend scale.

Of course hypermuscular comic book characters and a ripped Hugh Jackman aren't just male power fantasies. They're also men being objectified for men.

How can someone be so oblivious about how blatantly homoerotic comics and some of these 'fitness' magazines are?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

Different people have different tastes. I know people both men and women who have learned not to be into the bodybuilder physique because while they think it looks good they don’t like dating people who live the lifestyle it requires. They also complain about how it isn’t as nice to cuddle. Now, gay/bi men are more likely to be into living that lifestyle than straight/bi women.

But from what I’ve heard it’s a body type largely idealized not in a sexual way, but in a self insert way. It looks powerful, and has become a cultural ideal. In part because it’s the optimization of the appearance of strength.

Most people want someone reasonably attractive that can share their lifestyle to a reasonable degree. Beyond that, social skills and improving grooming will improve your chances far more than more time in the gym unless you enjoy it want want a partner who’s into exercise too.