Enjoying What You Like Shouldn't Be Complicated
Hobbies are supposed to be fun and relaxing, yet somehow, society tells us that certain activities are for women, and certain ones are for men. It's a pretty outdated notion that "certain" people are "supposed" to enjoy specific activities, so we're here to break the mold. Some men might genuinely love hobbies that are considered more feminine and are afraid because of it, but no more! These 20 hobbies society calls "girly" should be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age or gender.
1. Knitting
As an activity often associated with grandmas, knitting is automatically considered a girly hobby by the public. But what's more satisfying than making your own scarves, hats, and sweaters just from learning a few basic stitches? Men, don't be afraid of knitting's feminine reputation; most women will find it endearing and attractive, if anything!
2. Baking Cupcakes
it's weird how cupcakes are often seen as girly because of their dainty, colorful nature, yet cakes as a whole aren't. But either way, the idea of a guy spending Saturday afternoon piping buttercream might not seem "manly" by society's standards, but who cares, especially when you've got a delicious treat to enjoy out of it!
3. Scrapbooking
People might associate carefully arranged pages of memories with photos, ticket stubs, and postcards as a specific gender, but there shouldn't be one. Not when looking back on beautiful moments in the past is something every human being should get to experience and love.
4. Flower Arranging
Given that men are "expected" to give away flowers and not receive them, the act of flower arranging is inherently more feminine. But when you're left with a lovely centerpiece that shows your ability to play with colors, heights, and textures, the hope is that all those genderized worries melt away.
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5. Watching Romantic Movies
Society tells us that women are supposed to enjoy romance movies, while guys are expected to love action and adventure films. And while some people might judge a man for rewatching his favorite romantic comedy more than ten times, he shouldn't take it to heart. There's absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying a good love story.
6. Doing Skincare
Everyone's got skin that should be cared for, so why should skincare be seen as a girly hobby? There's nothing weird about a man who has a 7-step skincare routine, and he definitely shouldn't be judged for knowing more than a few ingredients and products. If anything, people should be taking his advice!
7. Making Friendship Bracelets
Men shouldn't have to be afraid of accessories and a bit of color, especially when something like friendship bracelets are built on nostalgia and sweetness. It's particularly sad to know that they tend to feel embarrassed admitting they enjoy making them because summer camp or fun childhood sleepovers are considered "girly."
8. Candle Making
Candles are supposed to be associated with relaxation and comfort, and while none of those two things are specifically feminine, the act of making candles somehow is. Like most things on this list, that kind of strict thinking just doesn't make sense! He's the real winner though, if his house gets to smell great because of it.
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9. Decorating Cakes
It's one thing to bake a cake, which might get a free pass, but decorating? The word itself is seen as girly! Many men feel the need to have to hide their love for piping bags, fondant, edible flowers, and elaborate designs, but really, most women would consider it a major green flag.
10. Doing Nail Art
Nail art is very specifically tied to being a female hobby, which makes it all the more shocking to society when men say they enjoy it. At the end of the day, it's just art though! It's playing around with colors, designs, and textures, and if men who paint are attractive, why can't men who love doing nail art be too?
11. Crocheting
Given that crocheting is essentially knitting's cousin, this activity gets just as much judgment. You can make anything from blankets to stuffed animals, but for whatever reason, men aren't supposed to get enjoyment from it. Honestly, it should just be considered impressive for any person to be able to create something from yarn!
12. Journaling
Society sometimes teaches men to repress their thoughts and emotions, so doing the opposite is simply going against the grain. An activity as open and freeing as journaling, where you note down all your plans, memories, and everyday expericnes, isn't seen as masculine, but should be done by everyone especially because of its mental health benefits.
13. Watching Reality Dating Shows
Who doesn't love some hot tea and gossip? Reality dating shows are basically mindless entertainment with funny storylines and dramatic moments, and really, that's something for everyone to enjoy. It's just TV anyway!
14. Sewing
For something as practical as sewing, it's strange that it's seen as such a feminine hobby. Because really, what's the difference between a man knowing how to fix a sink and a man who can fix a rip in his pants? One shouldn't be seen as manly over the other.
15. Making Jewelry
Designing bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings allows for plenty of room for creativity, yet only for women so it seems. Because sadly, a man who enjoys selecting beads, stones, chains, and charms might not immediately volunteer that information, especially if it's going to get a few questioning stares.
16. Collecting Perfume
It's strange how society feels a need to judge men who care about their appearance and their smell. Collecting perfume is much more complex than it sounds, especially when you're learning about different notes, brands, and fragrance families. There shouldn't be a gender placed on something that everyone cares about.
17. Using Bath Bombs
Taking a bath is all about relaxing, yet it's still seen as a distinctly feminine activity. Throw in colorful bath bombs that create beautiful designs and lovely smells, and unfortunately, it's entering girly territory. We'd urge men to ignore these judgements though; everyone should be free to enjoy a lovely bath after a long day!
18. Practicing Calligraphy
Beautiful handwriting takes practice, concentration, and a surprisingly steady hand, and though calligraphy is sometimes associated with wedding invitations and stationery, it shouldn't be considered a traditionally feminine hobby. Anyone should be able to enjoy and appreciate all art forms.
19. Creating Pinterest Boards
There's nothing wrong with a good vision board, and honestly, Pinterest is a great place to get started. Men shouldn't feel ashamed that they have carefully organized boards filled with recipes, outfits, home decor, and vacations. If anything, it shows that they have great planning skills!
20. Making Floral Crafts
Again, anything "floral" sadly gets deemed a girly activity, even if it's truly a beautiful and creative art form. Making floral crafts is a peaceful hobby that gives you plenty of freedom to create decorations the way you want them, and nothing about that description should be considered unmasculine.
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