I’m sorry to make this a gendered thing, but I think way more men need to hear this message from society in general.
At least in my part of the world, most of these things would not even raise an eye brow if a grown adult woman was doing it.
However, after a certain age, men partaking in these things outside of the context of doing them with their children/grandchildren is very strongly looked down upon. Men are allowed to be overgrown children if it’s in the context of “expensive toys for adults” like a hobby car or hunting equipment. Even playing video games is considered questionable in some crowds. Glitter pens and plush animals? For men, that’s just way too far outside of what’s considered normal and acceptable. But I agree, it shouldn’t be. If it brings you joy and it’s not hurting anybody else, why the need to be shamed by society for it?
I’m sorry to make this a gendered thing, but I think way more men need to hear this message from society in general.
At least in my part of the world, most of these things would not even raise an eye brow if a grown adult woman was doing it.
However, after a certain age, men partaking in these things outside of the context of doing them with their children/grandchildren is very strongly looked down upon. Men are allowed to be overgrown children if it’s in the context of “expensive toys for adults” like a hobby car or hunting equipment. Even playing video games is considered questionable in some crowds. Glitter pens and plush animals? For men, that’s just way too far outside of what’s considered normal and acceptable. But I agree, it shouldn’t be. If it brings you joy and it’s not hurting anybody else, why the need to be shamed by society for it?