Growing up in an environment where suppressing emotions was encouraged and expected, I learned to equate stoicism with strength. This conditioning served me well in certain professional contexts, particularly in fields where displays of emotion were seen as incompatible with competency and rational decision-making.
I've noticed a pattern in my chosen career path, one that historically has seen low participation rates among women. The few female colleagues I encounter often share a similar trait - a cultivated ability to maintain emotional distance. Only recently have I begun to examine this characteristic more closely, questioning whether it's an inherent requirement for success or merely a learned adaptation to existing cultural norms.
As I observe the evolving landscape of emotional intelligence education, where both boys and girls are increasingly encouraged to recognize and express their feelings, I wonder about the future. Will this shift naturally close the gender gap in traditionally emotion-averse professions? Or might it create a different kind of self-selection, where those more comfortable with emotional expression gravitate toward different fields entirely?
Perhaps the most liberating realisation is that in our interconnected world, there's space for individuals at all stages of their emotional journey to find their tribe. Having experienced both sides of this spectrum, I now find myself drawn to spaces and people who embrace emotional authenticity - where feelings aren't viewed as obstacles to overcome, but as vital signals that enrich our work and relationships.
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