Any man, depending on upbringing and certain life circumstances, falls under the influence of syndromes or complexes. Among them, eight main ones can be distinguished—those most typical and most interesting from the perspective of women seeking to understand men.
Let’s examine them one by one.
1. The “boss” syndrome
This is ingrained in a man’s character almost from birth. Parents unconsciously encourage the development of “masculine” traits in their children while showing disdain toward “feminine” ones. As a result, a man spends his entire life feeling compelled to defend his dominance. Seventy percent of men suffer when they come under a woman’s authority. Sixty-four percent feel self-conscious if their wife earns more than they do. Fifty-eight percent experience intense jealousy toward their partner’s professional achievements. It is practically impossible to overcome this syndrome.
2. Napoleon syndrome
Short stature is a real drama for men. But in the vast majority of cases, this “shortcoming” is compensated by enormous vanity and狂 ambitions, which often lead to success. The classic example is, of course, Napoleon (157 cm), but our contemporaries—singer Prince (158 cm), Diego Maradona (167 cm), Dustin Hoffman (163 cm)—can outperform any basketball-height individual.
3. Lot’s syndrome
Lot is a biblical figure who, after the catastrophe—the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah—went into a cave with his two daughters and there repopulated the human race. This is the unacknowledged dream of many fathers who have daughters. And it’s not about any sexual perversions, but rather a purely instinctive tendency to view a daughter’s partner as a rival. Fortunately, this syndrome manifests very rarely, and it is relatively easy to deal with.
4. Hercules syndrome
This one comes from Greek mythology. The demigod Hercules, after accomplishing numerous incredible feats, was enslaved by the queen of the Amazons, who forced him to perform purely feminine tasks—such as spinning thread. This syndrome arises when a man falls into complete dependence on a woman and is compelled to engage in activities unsuited to him, to the detriment of other, more important matters—at least in his own view. Incidentally, this is a primary cause of conflict in modern families.
5. Impotence syndrome
The idea that a man is “always ready” is nothing more than a myth, at any age. The older a man becomes, the more he fears “failing to perform,” that is, losing his “natural” dominance over a woman. Disappointment in one’s own abilities can be far more painful than any social failure. But this, by the way, is one of the few male syndromes that a caring and tactful woman can fully help overcome.
6. Lost time syndrome
It’s possible to achieve success and recognition even after age 50, as happened, for example, with artist Pablo Picasso. But human nature is such that people want everything as early as possible—or better yet, immediately. Therefore, for 80 percent of men, the necessity of reducing workload and slowing down after age 50 turns into bitter disappointment. In such cases, they become even more vulnerable, and a tactful woman will always find a way to suggest that quantity has turned into quality, and everyone benefits as a result.
7. Don Juan syndrome
The most widespread syndrome, though recently it has become easier to deal with. No normal man would agree that breaking off romantic relationships is a woman’s privilege. Dumping is a man’s job. But now everything can be blamed on the rapid development of emancipation, thus soothing the wounded male soul.
8. Alexander syndrome
Perhaps the most exotic, as men are most ashamed of it. Few know that men fear above all being seen as insufficiently masculine… by other men. In simpler terms, being perceived as homosexual. Experts know that no less than 21 percent of men have corresponding inclinations, and 30 percent have even had experiences in their youth (like Alexander the Great, after whom this complex is named). Curiously, it’s a fact: nearly half of all men believe that the greatest stress they experience comes from others suspecting their “blueness.” What can you say?
Everything stated above once again convinces us that men need to be cherished. Try surviving with such a number of “purely male” complexes.
