Impossible to win

When i man feels less than a man due to his perceived view of society's norm of men, there is no winner. He feels anxious, hurt, frustrated that he can't do things; he can't accept help and the feelings of inadequency multiply when help is offered or has to be sought. 

Being on the sidelines is just as tricky and upsetting. You don't know whether to offer advice, keep quiet, take the lead - all are wrong and all are seen as making him feel less of a man, when that wasn't the intention at all.

So instead of working through the issue using different skill sets to bring strength, both parties feel isolated, upset, lost, inadequate and a complete failure at being an adult in life.