Why are we telling little boys to be “less aggressive”? Why are we encouraging young women to “not need a man”? And how as a parent can you navigate through these shifting gender norms? In today’s episode, Albert and I explore the dynamics of masculinity and femininity, particularly in the context of parenting. We discuss how societal expectations for boys to be less assertive and for young women to assume multiple roles, including provider and protector, are shaping childhood development and adult relationships. We delve into the implications of these shifting gender norms, including the rise in adult loneliness and the challenges of navigating less defined relationships. Key Moments 0:00 - Intro 1:04 - Defining masculine and feminine 4:43 - Thoughts on raising boys 7:45 - Why are we teaching boys to be less competitive, aggressive, or assertive? 15:20 - Adult loneliness is on the rise 17:30 - Rejection and chase are core components in relationship-building 22:50 - How you talk about your partner matters 25:02 - Advice for women who want a partner more successful than them 28:00 - What agreement are you in with your partner? 30:35 - Trust your gut and don’t let in the noise 38:14 - #1 Advice: Teach your kids not to fear losing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices