Men’s habits: Separating myths from reality

Published: 2025-02-28

Author: Artem Rogozhin

Time to read: ~10 minutes

How many times have you heard the phrase: “He’s only 36.5, and he’s already dying” or “Men are like children! They can’t do anything by themselves”? These statements are so common that even those who have never noticed such traits in men tend to agree with them..

Do these clichés have any basis, or are men really without their quirks? We’ve examined the most popular myths about male habits and checked their scientific validity. Ready to learn the truth? Let’s go!

Men Handle Illnesses Worse. And that’s true.

It’s all about the immune system.

Men’s and women’s immune systems work differently. On average, women’s bodies are better at fighting infections than men’s. This is because women have higher levels of antibodies — immunoglobulins, special substances in the body that help fight diseases.

Hormones also play a role.

The leading role in the “strong immunity against viruses” film goes to estrogen! Estrogen is the hormone-conductor that manages many processes: supporting bone strength, regulating mood, and enhancing the immune system. Because women have higher levels of this hormone, their immune systems respond more quickly to viruses. Discrimination? No. It’s all about testosterone — the male hormone, which suppresses the activity of immune cells. This means that the male body struggles more with viruses and may be sick for longer.

Women have a genetic advantage.

Women have two X chromosomes, while men have only one. This genetic difference plays a crucial role in immune defense. The X chromosomes contain genes that regulate immunity, and having two of them gives women an extra defense reserve. If one of the X chromosomes is damaged or inactive, the backup chromosome can still function, providing better resistance to infections. Men, with only one X chromosome, lack this advantage. As a result, women, on average, suffer fewer complications from infections and recover more quickly, while men often endure more severe forms of illnesses.

Men Don’t Notice Mess Around Them. And It’s Not Their Fault.

Admit it, has it ever happened that a man was searching for something that was right in its place—like ketchup in the fridge—but couldn’t find it? And then a woman effortlessly reached out and found it in a second? What’s going on with men’s attention?

Men’s inattentiveness is partly explained by how their brains process information. Studies show that men and women perceive space differently and focus on different details. Men tend to see material things as a whole without paying much attention to small details, whereas women have a more developed ability to notice specifics. This is because the female brain is naturally wired for more detailed and precise information processing.

But why?

Because of evolution

According to evolutionary psychology, men’s and women’s roles throughout history required different types of attention. Men traditionally took on the role of hunters, meaning they needed to quickly scan large areas to spot prey and potential threats. This skill was more about general awareness rather than details. Women, on the other hand, were often gatherers, which required them to pay close attention to their surroundings—otherwise, they might miss hidden berries or edible roots.

And because of biology

The male and female brains differ in areas responsible for attention and perception. Research shows that women’s right hemisphere, which is responsible for detail-oriented thinking, is more active, while men rely more on the left hemisphere, which is better at perceiving space as a whole.

Men Lose Things More Often Than Women. True.

It’s linked to perception and information processing

Men are generally better at perceiving the overall context, while women focus more on details. These differences are connected to how different brain regions handle memory and perception.

And to biology

On average, women have better short-term memory, which helps them remember where objects are located. Men, due to biological and cognitive traits, are less likely to recall where they left their belongings. This absentmindedness is linked to the hippocampal region of the brain, which is slightly more developed in women.

And also to psychology

Men tend to focus on one task at a time and can become so engrossed that everything else fades into the background. Women, on the other hand, have more active frontal and parietal lobes, enabling them to multitask while still keeping track of their surroundings.

Men Talk About Their Feelings Less Often. Mostly True.

Brain structures make it harder for men to verbalize emotions

The brain centers responsible for emotions in men have weaker connections to speech-related areas compared to women. This means that translating emotions into words is a slower and more complex process for men. As a result, they can experience the same deep emotions as women but have a harder time expressing them verbally.

Blame testosterone again

Testosterone, which dominates the male body, reduces emotional sensitivity and makes men more likely to suppress emotions. Meanwhile, estrogen, which is more pronounced in women, enhances emotional expressiveness and social communication. That’s why women tend to talk more about their feelings, while men prefer to keep them to themselves.

They were taught this way

From childhood, boys are often taught not to show weakness, not to cry, and to handle their emotions independently. In adulthood, this can result in men talking less about their emotions and instead expressing them through actions—support, deeds, or simply being present. This doesn’t mean men don’t have deep emotions; it just means they sometimes struggle to express them differently.

Men Take More Risks. That’s True.

Because the brain controls risk

The prefrontal cortex of the brain is responsible for impulse control and weighing consequences. Studies show that men have less gray matter in this area compared to women. This doesn’t mean men don’t think before making decisions, but their brains work slightly differently. Instead of long analysis of possible consequences, men are more likely to rely on intuition and snap decisions, especially in stressful situations.

Testosterone drives bravery

The main player in the risk-taking game is testosterone. It directly affects levels of courage and the willingness to act without overthinking. The higher the testosterone level in a man, the more likely he is to choose a risky path. This partly explains why men are more likely to participate in extreme sports, gambling, take dangerous jobs, or make unrealistic commitments.

Inherited from ancestors

In the distant past, risk was an inherent part of a man’s life. Hunting, defending the tribe, fighting for resources—all of these required quick decision-making, not always the safest. Those who took risks had more chances of success and survival. Modern men no longer need to hunt mammoths, but they still tend to make bold decisions, even if it leads to trouble. Risk is not just another male whim; it is, rather, a biological trait formed over thousands of years of evolution.

Men Are Worse at Distinguishing Colors. Actually, They Are.

Because they use a different color filter

In our retinas, there are special cells—cones—that help distinguish colors. There are three types of cones—those that respond to red, green, and blue. Studies show that women have more of these cells than men. This means the female eye can catch more shades and even notice minimal color transitions. That’s why women can differentiate between sand and beige, while a man might see just brown.

Men have different color genetics

The gene responsible for color perception is located on the X chromosome. Women have two X chromosomes, while men have only one. If a man’s gene doesn’t work perfectly, he has no backup. This is why men are 16 times more likely to suffer from anomalous trichromacy—the inability to distinguish certain colors, most often red and green. For women, the second X chromosome often compensates for such defects, making color blindness less common.

They’re different in other ways

However, men are often better at recognizing movement and contrasts. This trait was inherited from their ancestors.

Men Don’t Pay Attention to Their Appearance. That’s Not True.

For a long time, society believed that caring about appearance was a purely female activity, and men shouldn’t waste time on such things. In traditional societies, men were more often engaged in physical labor or military duties, where appearance wasn’t a priority. Warriors and peasants in the Middle Ages didn’t have the time or need to carefully groom themselves. In the 19th and 20th centuries, men were more associated with work and providing for the family, while women were seen as the guardians of beauty.

Media sets priorities

The beauty industry, with the advent of advertising, initially targeted women. Men were depicted as uninterested in self-care. In cinema, tough male characters—cowboys, detectives, superheroes—were portrayed as unconcerned with their appearance. The image of the 20th-century man was someone who didn’t use cosmetics but always looked naturally good.

Men aren’t concerned with this

Studies show that men care about their appearance as much as women, but they do so less visibly. Men spend money on gyms, haircuts, and clothing, while women tend to spend on cosmetics and cosmetology. There aren’t many cosmetic brands that produce specific lines of products for men. Also, facial and body care products differ in composition and effectiveness, so men might not be eager to navigate this area.

Men Don’t Fear Pain. They Do.

A warrior must endure

Historically, men were associated with war, hunting, and heavy physical labor. In traditional societies, endurance to pain was seen as an important trait of a true man. Warriors, knights, and hunters couldn’t afford to show weakness because it affected their status. Later, in the industrial age, men worked in factories, mines, and construction sites, where injuries were common. The work ethic dictated “endure and keep going.” Over time, enduring pain became less of a physical necessity and more of a social norm.

A warrior doesn’t feel pain

Cinema and advertising of the 20th century reinforced the image of the “unshakable” man—cowboys, secret agents, superheroes—who, while saving the world single-handedly, fall, get hit, but never flinch. The Terminator feels no pain, James Bond doesn’t limp after a chase, and Bruce Willis in Die Hard walks barefoot on broken glass without even grimacing. These images shaped a generation of men who believed showing pain was shameful. Even in ads for painkillers, you often see a man bravely enduring pain, taking a pill, and returning to work.

What kind of warrior are you?

Studies show that men and women feel pain in roughly the same way. Of course, testosterone slightly dulls pain, but men are more likely to hide their discomfort due to societal pressure.

Social norms and upbringing push them to suppress their suffering and not seek medical help. In stressful situations, men may experience more intense pain than women, but they’re unlikely to admit it.

All Men Love Sports. A Controversial Statement.

Sports aren’t for everyone

The stereotype that sports are not for everyone came about because physical culture was traditionally associated with male competitions and physical strength. Women’s sports were less often shown on television in the past century, and girls were less involved in physical activities. This led many to believe that sports were exclusively a male pastime.

Sports are for everyone

Studies show that men watch more sports broadcasts, but women also actively engage in sports. Additionally, in many sports fan bases, such as tennis or figure skating, the proportion of women is almost equal to that of men.

Men Drink More Often. Almost True.

Let’s thank water

On average, men have more water in their bodies than women. Water helps dilute alcohol so that it distributes more evenly throughout the body, meaning men tend to feel drunk later. Women, on the other hand, have more body fat. Fat doesn’t absorb alcohol as well, which leads to a faster increase in alcohol concentration in the blood. Men typically have a higher metabolism rate, so their bodies process alcohol faster. In addition, men produce more of the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, which helps break down alcohol.

Let’s not support societal norms

Men and women approach alcohol use for relaxation and stress relief differently. Men are more likely to use alcohol as a way to cope with tension, which is related to cultural stereotypes about men needing to be strong and keep their emotions to themselves. Women, on the other hand, often turn to social methods of relaxation, such as spending time with loved ones, physical activity, or creative pursuits.

Men Go to Doctors Less Often. That’s True.

Because it will pass on its own

From an early age, boys are taught to be tough and not complain about their health. As a result, many delay visits to the doctor, thinking they can handle it themselves or that it will pass.

Moreover, men often see medical checkups as something unpleasant or unnecessary, especially if there are no obvious symptoms. They may view a doctor’s visit as a waste of time or fear receiving a bad diagnosis. This leads to illnesses often being discovered only at later stages.

However, the situation is gradually changing. Modern men are increasingly paying attention to their health, exercising, and undergoing preventive checkups. Awareness is growing that timely diagnostics can help avoid serious problems in the future.

Who Imposed These Myths on Us?

We’ve only explored a small portion of male habits, but even these turned out to be exaggerated. Some myths have scientific explanations tied to physiology and evolution, but in most cases, men’s behavior is shaped by both biology and social norms, upbringing, and personal experience.

It’s important to remember that generalizations simplify the picture and ignore individual differences. Instead of relying on established myths, we should look at reality more broadly and understand that people’s habits and behaviors are shaped by many factors. All people are different. And so are men.