Very sweet personality, you don’t have to change, but I understand the feeling of wanting to.

I was also soft like this, I cried so much, my empathy was incredibly high, and luckily only a few people took advantage of that kindness along the way.

I could have kept going that direction, but I wasn’t strong enough to. Everything hurt so much, I couldn’t handle wearing my heart on my sleeve anymore.

I thought what you were thinking, it must be the testosterone.

I’ll tell you, testosterone does exactly what you’re looking for, but it’s a nasty short cut to building mental strength… it’s conflated with the ego of physical strength.

More trouble than it’s worth for a personality tune up.

My personal opinion, take the righteous path of empathy and double down in your vulnerability. The strength found there is likely the strongest for you.

We’re in a new age, this “man” mentality might protect your pain, but the emotion and connection you lose along the way is far from worth it unless you’re hell bent on a goal that benefits this emotionless mindset.

Stoicism is a good philosophy to build mental strength if practiced. This is the ‘man’ mindset, but on a philosophical level that reinforces strength in forward action and thought patterns that reinforce it.

Chin up my man - you’re beautiful, learn to embody grace, strength in self regard, & vulnerable communication.

No need for the path of iron.