From Silence to Strength

Why Men Must Share Their Stories

Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash

With Stories, We Empathize with Protagonists

Some recent research suggests that when we consume a story, we tend to focus on the characters, usually the protagonist, more than the plot. We want to know their motivations and how their feelings and beliefs inform their actions.

Empathy forms with the lead character. There’s a reason we cheer for heroes in movies and feel like we’ve shared in their victory. And there is a reason we cry or get angry for them when there is a loss. We connect to protagonists and respond accordingly.

Our Tales Connect Us

Since we are the protagonists of our autobiographical tales, when we tell them, we likely invite the empathy and connection of others. And when we hear a friend’s personal story, we are also likely to feel a little closer to that storyteller.

When we tell stories about our lives, we invite the listener to connect with us like they might with the protagonist of any tale. When we hear a friend’s account of h…