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   Artemis (artemis@dice.camp)'s status on Thursday, 05-Feb-2026 02:38:36 JST Artemis

   in reply to

   I express affection verbally more than most people do, but much more so with women than men.

   There are some reasons it's not always safe to express affection towards men:

   - this may often be misinterpreted as romantic/sexual interest, resulting in potential serious interpersonal problems
   - Men soaked in toxic masculinity can be hostile & threatened by expressions of care & affection.

   But...everyone should hear "I love you" at least sometimes!! At least if they want to.

   • Embed this notice
     Artemis (artemis@dice.camp)'s status on Thursday, 05-Feb-2026 02:38:37 JST Artemis

     I try to tell my male friends "I love you", because the idea that men don't need emotional care, affection, & softness is BS, but it's easier to feel safe expressing genuine emotion & care with women. So with trans femme friends transitioning, that switch often gets flipped where I feel "oh, I can safely express affection towards this person."

     I like it, but it also reminds me that I should be braving the waters of affection with all my friends, because it shows how isolating "masculinity" is.

   • Embed this notice
     Artemis (artemis@dice.camp)'s status on Thursday, 05-Feb-2026 15:58:51 JST Artemis

     • Flash Mob Of One

     @FlashMobOfOne
     Yeah, that's a good point. It's not necessarily going to be received well from a man to a woman either, because, well, there are often trust issues.

     It's so frustrating how we have all been so socially isolated from one another.