We often talk about female loneliness.
About how we want to be needed, loved, heard...
But more and more often I think about men,
who also remain silent, endure, hide their eyes —
and remain alone.
Not because it is impossible to love them.
But because no one has truly heard them.
No one noticed that behind the calm mask there was a storm.
That behind the silence there was fatigue.
That behind “everything is fine” there was a cry.
A man can remain silent for years.
Go to work, drive a car, joke with friends...
And no one will know that he comes home and sits in silence.
No phone calls. No “I miss you.”
No eyes that make him feel alive.
He doesn't complain. He doesn't ask.
Because that's how he was taught: “A man must cope on his own.”
And he copes.
But inside, he feels empty. Sometimes so empty that he doesn't even feel pain. Just silence.
He wants to be respected.
He wants to be listened to without interruption.
He wants someone by his side whom he can trust with his weaknesses without feeling ashamed.
He's not asking to be his psychologist.
He just dreams of a woman with whom he can be himself.
No games. No struggle. No “iron man” role.

If you are that man reading this right now...
Please know:
You have the right to be vulnerable.
You are worthy of love — not for your strength, but for your authenticity.
And may there one day be someone by your side who is not afraid of your silence,
but simply sits down next to you — and stays 🕯️