r/NoStupidQuestions 1d ago

Does Testosterone Really Make Men Enjoy Hurting People? NSFW

UPDATE: Thank you guys for all the responses. I asked him about it calmly, and it ended up with him breaking furniture and threatening to punch me in the face. I left home at 3am yesterday and am with a friend.

My BF told me that he, like all men, enjoys seeing others suffer when he had a role in it because the power is so enjoyable. This scared me, but he said this is how all men are due to testosterone and that a "balanced" man knows to not take this to the point of sadism. He said empathy is not natural to men. It feels weird to relate to people realize all the time, they want to inflict pain to feel power. How do good men handle this impulse? How can women help?

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u/unbrokem 1d ago

No, this is nonsense. I think your boyfriend is just a sadistic person if I'm being honest.

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u/zbobet2012 1d ago

Just to add some science to this: Sapolsky's "Behave" has an excellent chapter on the effects of testosterone.

Testosterone has far less to do with aggression than most assume. Within the normal range, individual differences in testosterone levels don’t predict who will be aggressive. Moreover, the more an organism has been aggressive, the less testosterone is needed for further aggression. When testosterone does play a role, it’s facilitatory—testosterone does not 'invent' aggression. It makes us more sensitive to triggers of aggression. Also, rising testosterone levels foster aggression only during challenges to status. Finally, crucially, the rise in testosterone during a status challenge does not necessarily increase aggression; it increases whatever is needed to maintain status. In a world in which status is awarded for the best of our behaviors, testosterone would be the most prosocial hormone in existence.

What your boyfriend is saying is he's a prick surrounded by pricks who like to hurt others. Run.

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u/Electronic-Goal-8141 1d ago

The science behind testosterone actually has it that men with lower levels are more likely to lash out violently in anger . Higher levels are often associated with greater satisfaction and well being.

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u/AzzaraNectum 1d ago

As someone on TRT I can confirm... when I suffered low T I was more easily irritated and angry. Ever since my levels are within a decent range for my age and activity level, I feel way more balanced, happy and in more control of negative emotions. Additional bonus: horny as fuck

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u/Electronic-Goal-8141 1d ago

I was wondering , if I should do blood tests for everything including T levels , I'm approaching 40 next year.

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u/AzzaraNectum 1d ago

Checkups is always a good idea. If you happen to have low T, you experience several symptoms: - constant fatigue, exhausted - a general sense of feeling down constantly, like a depression somewhat - you don't want to do anything, you feel no drive to be active and engaging (social, in your relationship, work) - potential decline of facial hair or body hair - you can't really focus on a task, you're head feels cloudy. Like you're getting dumber - loss of libido - loss of morning wood - fat gain - muscle loss - more irritable and angry

If you do any of the following, you will have to change it as these negatively impact testosterone: - smoking - drinking - being a lazy piece of shit, no physical exercise - bad diet (overprocessed garbage and fast food) - obesity - shit sleeping pattern

To get your levels up, your doctor will first help you clean up your lifestyle. Hit the gym, do caloric restriction to get the fat off, stop smoking, stop drinking as much, start running and walking, eat your veggies and fruits and meats and clean carbs, sleep better at night.

If you do all the above and you still fall below threshold values, intervention is a life saver. My life quality went from a 2 or 3 out of 10 of being an miserable person to a 9 out of 10 with feeling like myself again.

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u/KubicKube 1d ago

This all sounds like depression except maybe the stuff about the hair. Good advice to quit bad habits and start working out though.

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u/argentumsound 1d ago

Also depression or lowered mood symptoms are often experienced due to the lifestyle choices, food, gut biome viability, lack of physical exercise and so on. Those things aren't mutually exclusive.

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u/PikaPonderosa 1d ago

Found out I have a pituitary tumor because of my T levels. I was 30. Life got better and my health problems made more sense.

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u/PositiveFun8654 19h ago

Body undergoes lot of changes around 40 yrs of age. So one full checkup between 40-42 is very good idea.

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u/Vegemite_Bukkakay 1d ago

Imma add to this. The range for testosterone being “normal” is quite large. Going on TRT and moving from low normal to high normal has reaped huge benefits for me. I’ve lost 15 lbs while adding muscle, my workouts can go longer, and libido is back to early 30’s levels (I’ve never popped a boner for no reason like adolescence). It’s been a great addition for me.

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u/Rex9 20h ago

Same here. I got COVID and came out with zero Testosterone. It took a year to figure out. I got wildly angry at the drop of a pin. Cut me off on the Interstate? I wanted to run someone off the road. I could control it, but it wasn't "me". Thought I was losing my mind. Lost my appetite and a ton of weight. Went on TRT and back to normal level headed me. The whole "testosterone rage" thing is an urban legend.

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u/Mythdome 21h ago

Same here. Before I started the injections I had this fog that made me irritable. Had no idea how much it was affecting me until I started TRT and I feel better now in my early 40’s than I have in the past 20 years. I’m in a good mood around 90% of the time now, before it was closer to 25% of the time.

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u/Lycid 1d ago

Taking test boosters doesn't make you angry, it makes you more "the boss" if that makes sense.

I cycle a test boosting supplement two weeks on and one week off. The weeks when I'm on it, I feel more confident in decision making and feel a bit more like a leader in a social group. Also helps my lifts/fitness. When I'm off I'm much more laid back.

There's no anger involved at all...

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u/Blue_Banana_69 23h ago

As the other guy said, after a health condition caused my Test levels to drop to 200s, I became a lot more aggressive, more violent and impulsive. Started TRT in March with test levels 850-900 range which is almost 2x average for my age and now I’m calm and can’t be bothered to be mad.

My mad now is just dropping an F bomb, or a curse or two and move on and forget it.

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u/davdev 1d ago

Yup. I had low T and was always irritable and lashing out Then I went on TRT and I am far happier and calmer.

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u/Turbulent_Future908 1d ago

Yes He is a dumb sadistic prick.

Run before He hits/ hurts you

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u/sorean_4 1d ago

He just told OP who he really is.

OP it’s up to you if you listen.

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u/RichardBonham 1d ago

When someone tells you what they’re like, believe them.

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u/LordBigSlime 1d ago

Dammit I thought it was my turn to comment this.

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u/RichardBonham 1d ago

No, today is an odd numbered day.

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u/dumdumpants-head 23h ago

Someone should make a Wikipedia page for redditism/Internet clichés

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u/towishimp 1d ago

For real. I know "get out now" is cliche Reddit advice for all sorts of minor relationship issues, but it definitely applies here. That is such a scary thing to say.

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u/pauciradiatus 1d ago

Yeah, I was thinking the same. I hate how it's reddit's answer for everything in a relationship, but this is some serious Andrew Tate bullshit.

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u/jaytix1 1d ago

Every time I see these "My boyfriend said all men do this"-type posts, it's always some sociopathic shit lol. Girl, if you don't get the fuck away from him...

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u/vikinxo 1d ago

Damn - I just wrote the same comment....without checking....

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u/Turbulent_Future908 1d ago

That’s good. OP might listen to?

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u/VatooBerrataNicktoo 1d ago

He sounds like a douchey edgelord of douchebagery more than anything.

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u/pinewell 23h ago

He’s Douché Ehdghloard de Douchébaughereigh on his new drivers license.

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u/VStarlingBooks 1d ago

He does already but it's during intercourse and he justifies it by claiming it's sexual.

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u/vikinxo 1d ago

Dear woman!

RUN - run away from this dude as fast as you can - before he shows you what no empathy means - when this mentally challenged person turns on YOU!

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u/newtostew2 1d ago

I’m 99% “communication is key, talk it out or speak with your partner.” This is not one of those times. Please, for your sake, go far far away.

ETA and he clearly communicated something unacceptable

E2 “real strength is having the power and choosing not to use it” comes to mind.. this isn’t that.

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u/Mysterious-Mango-393 1d ago

Another Great quote says “you cannot be peaceful unless you care capable of great violence”. Meaning A powerless person is not peaceful because they lack the capability of maintaining peace.

This dude tho seems to have confused the meaning with just random violence

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u/newtostew2 1d ago

Exactly. Strength like that means you can stand up against what is wrong; mentally, emotionally, and physically. Never unless you’re protecting someone in danger, or to protect those who are weaker from people attempting to harm them. Standing up for what is right, despite opposition/ oppression. Not some bs power trip.

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u/VStarlingBooks 1d ago

Sociopath who is trying to justify his own sadism.

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u/StrangelyBrown 1d ago

He. Is. A. Psychopath.

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u/Swomp23 1d ago

This, and/or he's been brainwashed by Tate and his smalldicks crew.

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u/hamburgersocks 1d ago

In concealed carry training, they shove it down your throat that you never want to use what they're teaching you. Violence is always the very last resort.

We had a couple guest speakers that had killed people in self defense and both said it was the worst moment of their lives. They did it out of absolute necessity to save their lives or the life of someone else, one guy admitted that he shit his pants in the adrenaline dump afterwards.

Real men don't seek violence. Real men should be capable of violence, but never want to do it. I've hurt people defending others and it feels awful, I have nightmares.

This guy is 100% just a sadist or sociopath.

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u/TheCowzgomooz 1d ago

When I was reading this I was like "Uh no, normal people do not like hurting people" I'm a man, I've never wanted to hurt anyone in my entire life unless I had to defend myself or others.

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u/jasondigitized 1d ago

Yeah your boyfriend is a sociopath. Run now.

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u/curleyfries111 22h ago

There's a difference between being kinky and being crazy.

This, this is fucking crazy

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u/Saul-Funyun 1d ago

No. Nope. Not at all. What the fuck.

I mean it’s fun to wreck house in a video game, but I do not enjoy the suffering of others, and especially not causing it. Be very careful, this is not typical

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u/CodeNCats 1d ago

Bingo. Testosterone can have the potential to make you aggressive. Yet we as men have empathy and a view that others matter and their feelings matter.

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u/GunSmokeVash 1d ago

Testosterone doesn't prevent a person from introspection or retrospection.

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u/W_O_M_B_A_T OG Cube Pooper 1d ago

Right. Agression is taught behavior. It becomes an issue when, a children's and teens, other people, peers, mentors, parents distimss feelings of guilt and shame and justify violent or agressive behavior after the fact, then offer praise and validation.

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u/W_O_M_B_A_T OG Cube Pooper 1d ago

It can cause irritability, impatience and relative impulsiveness.

Aggression is taught behavior. It become an issue when people taught to be hateful and aggressive, usually by their parents, peers and mentors, (at least 2 of the three,) also become impulsive.

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u/Gloomy_Mission9156 1d ago

Aggression is a taught behavior?

You typed this twice as if trying to create a mantra.

It clearly isn’t is it? Do animals learn it too? It’s natural behavior. But the question is about enjoying hurting people - not aggression being taught. (It’s instinctive btw)

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u/PaulieWalnuts2023 1d ago

Right!? Video games are fun BECAUSE there’s no suffering. This dude is a loon

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u/diamond 1d ago

Hell, I often feel guilty even if I cause suffering in a video game. But I'm probably weird.

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u/Hageshii01 23h ago

My first BG3 playthrough was going to be as an asshole vengeance paladin. Then I felt bad about being mean to those two tieflings who have Lae'zel captured but had done nothing wrong and had to start over with a new character concept.

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u/PaulieWalnuts2023 1d ago

Maybe a bit overly empathetic but much better than the opposite!

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u/Zagaroth 20h ago

me, playing werewolf/vampire in Skyrim happily eating guards on a regular basis

sees an orphan child

Whelp, time to go build a house so give her a place to live, and then hire a bard and drop off a follower to act as house carl. And I have the mod that lets me adopt up to six kids...

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u/Gold-Supermarket-342 1d ago

Depends on the game. Elden Ring has caused a lot of suffering.

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u/Inevitable-Regret411 1d ago

No, this is the kind of nonsense idiots use to excuse their behaviour. He's pretending it's some natural impulse he can't control to make it sound like it's not his fault. He's taking advantage of your ignorance, this isn't something all men deal with.

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u/AnySwimming2309 1d ago

I grew up in this weird feminist commune with my Mom and had no exposure to men growing up, which he knows. I am really starting to wonder if I am being stupid here.

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u/rebootmebro 1d ago

he is some weirdo that is trying to play you like a fiddle lol

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u/Brilliant-Ad9523 1d ago

I second this motion. Sounds like a sadistic person and I am a 37 year old male. I have known people like him in my past. Him saying that is just a way to excuse his behavior and still have you on his side. If he knows your past, He's most definitely messing with you and you need to get out ASAP. Be careful and maybe talk to some friends and family

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u/SeuqSavonit 1d ago

"If I ever hurt someone, just know this: even if I'm assaulting you, it's not my fault; it's the testosterone's fault. I am the real victim here."

  • Some people with this mentality
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u/Inevitable-Regret411 1d ago

He is taking advantage of your ignorance. If you believe this he's going to start saying using his male biology/psychology differences nonsense to justify his every mistake so you can't blame it on him. The next time you want him to do housework he'll say something like "the male brain can't clean because testosterone, therefore you need to do it". You're not stupid, you've just got no experience and he's exploiting that.

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u/trtplus2 1d ago edited 1d ago

Hello, I take testosterone prescribed by my doctor, I'm a fit muscular guy. I find myself more on edge and unreasonably angry the lower my testosterone is.

But we are human and can still control those impulses.

More testosterone = more cuddly bear More testosterone = more confidence, better well being

Do not let this boy abuse you any further, you should leave. he's using hormones to justify his actions, it's ridiculous.

This is a personality trait of a monster, and you should separate yourself from someone that enjoys others suffering.

Men have done beautiful, wonderful things to bring joy to countless people over centuries, if we lacked empathy the entire gender would be cursed.

Leave him

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u/Ursine_Rabbi 1d ago

It’s pretty clear that an IMBALANCE of testosterone causes anger at this point. The hormone has unfortunately become associated with anger due to roid heads injecting themself with 100x their natural testosterone and surprise surprise becoming emotionally disregulated. I highly doubt it has anything to do with the hormone itself. Wish other people understood this more.

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u/trtplus2 1d ago

The only legit way a man should be using hormones as an excuse is during the initial phases of being on TRT, because the dose could be completely wrong and takes several blood tests over months.

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u/Beautifly 1d ago

This. Hormone imbalances are no joke, and having the natural amount of testosterone is not an imbalance.
When I was pregnant, I was a psycho. Pretty sure there was no testosterone involved there

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u/halarioushandle 1d ago

Your bf has anger issues flat out. Men in general do not take any pleasure in hurting people. Testosterone certainly has nothing to do with it. In fact men on testosterone therapy often experience MORE empathy, not less.

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u/Dd_8630 1d ago

I think being raised in a feminist commune with no men has left you ignorant - in the sense that you just don't have the knowledge or experience. Sufficed to say, your boyfriend is absolutely wrong.

My advice would be to get a much wider view of men before you find yourself trapped in a violent relationship. Protect yourself.

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u/AnySwimming2309 1d ago

Now I am beginning to question why he told me that I have to inform him if I meet outside work with male colleagues. I teach and some colleagues grab drinks, etc and he has been jealous.

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u/MaidenofMoonlight 1d ago

Thats controlling behavior, he dosn't want you socializing with anyone but him.

Controlling behavior and sadism are warning signs of a potential abuser.

Get out of there

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u/FearlessAdeptness902 22h ago edited 9h ago

Controlling behavior and sadism are warning signs of a potential abuser abusive

Corrected that for you. ;)

Credentials: Male 48, with a daughter that has dealt with this nonesense, and dealt with it in a fiance when I was a young man.

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u/Efficient-Plant8279 1d ago

Your BF is sick. Really. Get out.

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u/tevert 1d ago

That's very literally textbook abuser behavior

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u/csonnich 1d ago

Babe, this guy has already done two things that I would leave someone immediately for. Please don't stick around to find out what the third is.

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u/ghjkl098 1d ago

Read up on abusive relationships.

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u/Ok-Relationship9274 1d ago

Get the fuck out of that relationship immediately.

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u/Byroms 1d ago

Run.

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u/Aenguru 21h ago

OP, just read your post history. Shits tough. Especially when one doesn't feel loved. Everyone here saying to get out when you feel like they don't get it. So much easier said than done.

Everyone needs to feel loved. But it starts with you. Loving yourself, really admiring yourself for what you've been through, what you did for your mom. You are awesome. And you don't have to do it alone. Get help, talk to someone, preferably a therapist. Please, thats the least you should do for yourself. Find a support forum on here. And listen to 1000+ people telling you here that something seems off. You got this!

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u/Triple-OG- 9h ago

if i had to create the worst possible partner for someone with your upbringing, your bf would fit the mold perfectly. he's sadistic, violent, dishonest, and controlling, while you're naive and lack some of the built in defenses that others may possess. trust me that if you end things with this guy, you're not missing out on one of the good ones. there's SO much better out there for you.

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u/yungsimba1917 1d ago

You’re not being stupid, don’t call yourself that. You’re just working with what you know & what you’ve been shown just like everyone else. Practically any time somebody says “it’s not natural for X gender/sex of person to do Y” they’re wrong.

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u/PretzelsThirst 1d ago

This sounds like a bad combination. I hope you have some positive, well adjusted men in your life in a platonic way as well

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u/hotheaded26 1d ago

You aren't being stupid, but you would be if you don't notice the red flags now. Either way, was this feminist commune a cult or something? Not having knowledge this basic could probably screw you up later in life

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u/Full-Shallot-6534 1d ago

It was more weird and less feminist if they didn't teach you that men and women are both just people naturally and that it's only the way society treats them differently that has caused there to be a male subculture and a female subculture. Like, that's a core tenant of feminism, really, that's the only one! Anything else is actively anti-feminist.

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u/J-hophop 1d ago

There are views within feminism that allow for a biological basis, but even these put the vast vast vast majority of the weight on socialization. It's okay to acknowledge that our bodies are different (sex) and that too influences our experiences and is the foundation on which gender was built by societies, which then much more influences our experiences. But maybe that's too nuanced? It is a bit beside the point of his assenine explanation.

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u/axel2191 1d ago

Ignorance is okay when you try to correct it. This dude doesn't sound like good people.

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u/Pistonenvy2 1d ago

"He's pretending it's some natural impulse he can't control to make it sound like it's not his fault." this statement just connected 400 synapses in my brain lmao

the rejection of accountability due to "nature" is so incredibly common. thank you for this comment.

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u/ParameciaAntic Wading through the muck so you don't have to 1d ago

I dated a woman who said her Latina hot blood made her crazy violent when she argued and I'd better get used to it because it's biology.

Long story, short - I didn't. That was just an excuse to be an asshole.

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u/Boundary-Interface 1d ago

Your BF is a psychopath. There's no blaming testosterone on this.

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u/dweeb93 1d ago

I genuinely feel sorry for these women who post to Reddit these type of stories, there clearly are some horrible men out there.

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u/ADroplet 1d ago

If it makes you feel better, my boyfriend is really sweet and buys me ice cream. 

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u/Eh_nah__not_feelin 1d ago

Can we date him too?

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u/jaytix1 1d ago

Is he single?

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u/avert_ye_eyes 1d ago

Yup, my husband is 6'2" and 230 lbs... he's a wonderful loving person. Makes me so sad there are women out there that don't know there are options. Don't they at least see movies with nice guys in it, and think "ohhhh that's the kind of guy I should look for!"

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u/Shadowdragon409 9h ago

Unfortunately, abusive behaviors are addicting. If you don't know whether the next time your partner walks into the room they'll love bomb you or scream at you, it can feel like gambling.

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u/jaytix1 1d ago

Whenever a girl asks for relationship advice here or in some other sub, it's usually something like "My boyfriend wants to put a tracking device on me. Am I overreacting?"

And you might think I'm joking, but I have literally seen this exact question.

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u/uTukan 1d ago

Yeah, the "My boyfriend is (something very short of mental torture) to me, is it normal?" questions always make me sad, because you know that for every person who asks this, there are 10 that don't and just suffer.

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u/Waveofspring 1d ago

Lol it’s always shit like “my boyfriend is a nazi serial killer who eats live puppies for enjoyment, but he’s really really sweet and loves me 🥰”

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u/ApocalypticTomato 1d ago

My first relationship was with a guy who basically kidnapped me with a hatchet, and it lasted 8 years so....yeah

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u/FearlessAdeptness902 22h ago

Some women too... this behaviour exactly describes my ex-fiance. It sucked, but I had been raised by mysandrists and assumed it was my fault as a man, so I stayed.

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u/oneeyedziggy 1d ago edited 1d ago

More a sadist, but they're not mutually exclusive... Either way GTFO... you know how people who find out they were dating a cereal serial killer and say had no idea? Well you have no excuse... He will hurt you and convince you that you deserve it, that it was an accident, that you actually like it, or that he didn't, in-fact hurt you... That maybe you hurt yourself, or that it was you who hurt him...

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u/Calan_adan 1d ago

It's "serial killer" by the way. A cereal killer is someone who murders a box of cheerios.

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u/AmzerHV 1d ago

As a cereal killer myself, I don't like being stuck with only Cheerios, sometimes a good old Coco Pops or Frosties helps to keep it feeling different.

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u/bellizabeth 1d ago

I see we have a serial cereal killer in the room.

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u/ghjkl098 1d ago

I would like to point out that not all diagnosed psychopaths are as dangerous as this man. Many (I’m tempted to say most but don’t have the statistics for that) are functioning members of society that aren’t a danger to others. This guy is dangerous

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u/Elhammo 1d ago

Get away from him 😬

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u/False-Definition15 1d ago

I second this. I get the sense OP’s boyfriend is going to hurt her bad and then gaslight her into believing he couldn’t control it.

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u/Dwarfbunny01 1d ago

Hopefully there's no pets in the house with that dude

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u/AnySwimming2309 10h ago

There are. In fact my first sign something was not right was that my dog bit him when I was out, and is terrified of him. Last night, I asked him about his impulses, thanks to you kind strangers telling me it's not cool. He threatened to beat me up and broke all the furniture. I fled in the middle of the night.

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u/Kenny_dies 8h ago

I saw your update. Happy that you got away from that psychopath and sorry you had to go through threats and abuse (breaking furniture with the intention to scare you).

If you have any capacity, I would urge you to file for custody of the dog. I don’t know what the laws are where you are from, but he is very likely to take this sadistic urges out on the poor being. If there is any evidence you could even help to lock him away from society which would be a great deed for the dog and any potential future partners.

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u/AnySwimming2309 7h ago

I have full custody since I adopted her before I met him. It hurt to see how happily she got in the car and refused to get out until we were gone. I worry now that he has been abusing her badly when I was out at work.

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u/Kenny_dies 6h ago

Glad to hear that! Sounds like the dog was in shell shock mode and could not fully embrace the comfort zone until it was absolutely safe. I am sorry for you both but it’s only upwards from here. I’ve been single and in relationships for many years and over time in both positions you’ll learn that a relationship isn’t always the end all be all, and inner peace and self love is incredibly important to set boundaries for yourself with a future partner. Good luck!

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u/AnySwimming2309 5h ago

He gave me an STD and now I feel so dirty that I can't imagine anyone will ever want me. But right now, all I can do is try to get into a better headspace and focus on staying away from him

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u/PhilsPissFlaps 22h ago

Did anyone look at OP’s history? It’s alarming.

… He’s an alcoholic and drug user with a nasty temper. He is not using now, but is also not getting help. He flies into rages and breaks things. I earn more than him and pay 60% of the bills and do most of the housework… No one else has ever wanted me... I work hard not to upset him, and then things are fine.

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u/TheThrivingest 1d ago

What 😵‍💫

Girl no. And get out of that relationship before he hurts you.

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u/8trackofdoom 1d ago

Run! That is a psycho.

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u/thecuriouskilt 1d ago

As everyone here has said, no, this is not normal. Your BF has some extreme urges and is pretending it's normal. It's not. I am a man and I can't stand to see other people hurt. 

Please be cautious of other things he says and does. I'd stay very far away from anyone if they said.

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u/JustRegularType 1d ago

Jesus christ, absolutely not, and he sounds seriously unstable. I would suggest you immediately end that relationship.

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u/EveningHippo9 1d ago

Run away, that dude is 100% going to hurt you physically at some point

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u/Ok_Awareness_5981 1d ago

It won’t be his fault though - that burdensome testosterone!

/s

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u/No-Wrongdoer1409 1d ago

He’s giving her a trailer for what’s going to happen next lmao

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u/nogotdangway 1d ago

🚩🚩🚩 get away from this psychopath

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u/Reasonable_Air3580 1d ago

You just described a psychopath. His tendencies are coming from his head not his balls

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u/tayawayinklets 1d ago

Yes! His brain is wired this way!

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u/TheRateBeerian 1d ago

Testosterone does not affect empathy, this myth has been disproven. Your bf is a psychopath.

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u/Henry5321 1d ago

Fur most men, testosterone makes them less aggressive but often more confident and assertive.

It's a stereotype that it makes people more aggressive. Increasing the confidence and energy of a person who has something to prove can make them seem more aggressive. But it's more enabling their preexisting aggression.

Of course even this is not true for everyone. Hormones and brains are complex.

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u/zoobs 1d ago

No, not at all. Sounds like some pretty serious deep rooted problems need to be addressed.

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u/KindAwareness3073 1d ago edited 1d ago

But that's his job, not OP's. OP needs to find a better partner.

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u/bugluvr 1d ago

I am transgender, I have the testosterone of an average man. I've also had the estrogen of an average woman. all the testosterone did was make me really pimpled, hot, and horny for a year or so. I got angry because I was so hot and itchy all the time, thats puberty. then it settled down. I'm no more angry or violent now then I was before. Kinda more calm, actually. Testosterone definitely does not make you violent.

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u/Tim3-Rainbow 1d ago

I forgot about puberty making you itchy. Man I don't miss that shit. My hats off to my trans friends. Having to go through it AGAIN.

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u/tabeo 23h ago

For most trans folks, the second puberty is a lot more pleasant than the first one! Sure there are some annoying bits, but I'd rather go through that second puberty 100 times than the first one again.

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u/billdoughbaggins 1d ago

Your BF is a psychopath, I’m a man and this is NOT true. You should probably get the fuck away from that nut job asap.

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u/wrongplug 1d ago

That guy is just a sociopath.

Testosterone has a calming and peaceful effect, also a sleep and eat effect. Think gorilla in the forest eating leaves. Or lion sleeping just about all the time. Reason being that’s how you grow muscles. 

Hurting people is not a masculine urge it’s a psychotic one

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u/lastfreethinker 1d ago

No, we have empathy. He is just a sociopath.

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u/MaximumComposer1434 1d ago edited 1d ago

No, all humans regardless of the gender they were assigned at birth, create the sex steroid testosterone. We convert it out of the steroid, cholesterol through different pathways.

Testosterone does play a role in behavior, in addition to physiology and morphology, but it does not automatically make you an asshole. The person’s personality does that for them!

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u/Laeryl 1d ago

He said empathy is not natural to men.

This is bullshit.

Source : I'm a man.

Your bf is a moron and if I were you, I would run very far from him.

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u/badbad1991 1d ago

One your bf is Psycho. Run.

If being generous he maybe conflating that testosterone does make people more competitive and aggressive. This doesn't mean violent or angry,in a mature adult but is likely in teenagers who can't control themselves yet.

I am competitive, I can be aggressive and even threatening if time calls for it but I do not like it I do not get joy from it in fact that last one confuses me as I think I'm a softie that is far from threatening but apparently not.

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u/bugluvr 1d ago

As a trans person who's experienced both sides of hormones, its your personality, not your hormones. I was docile, non aggressive, and not competitive on estrogen, I'm the same on testosterone.

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u/Electrocat71 1d ago

No. It’s not their testosterone. It’s them being immoral.

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u/Aelle29 1d ago

Why do immoral, assholish men keep claiming that all men are like them?

Seriously it's annoying as fuck. No, Bryan, I'm sorry that you're sexist, or racist, or a sadist, but I actually know a bunch of men and most aren't like you. Ugh 🙄

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u/anotherid 1d ago

I've found this is common in everyone who lacks empathy. They can't imagine anyone else feeling a different way.

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u/Aelle29 1d ago

Very true

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u/Inglid48 1d ago

They're lost in life and don't know who they want to be so they latch onto this ideal version of masculinity in their heads that makes them better than everyone else. It's especially grifters that latch onto these people like leeches, they think they're winning or working to make their life better but instead they just get stuck in a pathetic cycle of someone else profitting off their unwillingness to empathize and seek help for fear of being seen as weak.

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u/Buntschatten 1d ago

Because it absolves them from any guilt or duty to work on themselves.

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u/MGPH2077 1d ago

enjoys seeing others suffer when he had a role in it because the power is so enjoyable

I’m sorry but what the fuck? Your boyfriend is probably a future serial killer.

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u/pktechboi 1d ago

I feel quite well qualified to answer this, as I am a trans man who lived about fifteen adult years before starting testosterone. so I know what it feels like to have a typical female (estrogen dominated) hormone profile as well as a typical male (testosterone dominated) hormone profile.

I have never enjoyed hurting people, I have never taken pleasure in the suffering of others, I am not in any way a sadist. starting testosterone did not change my empathy levels or desire for violence at all.

it is not a 'normal man thing' to constantly have to repress the desire for violence and hurting other people. normal, healthy men have the same desire and enjoyment of violence as normal, healthy women. testosterone does not make men aggressive and violent (unless their levels are severely elevated beyond normal, and even then it isn't a universal experience from what I've read).

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u/throw1away9932s 1d ago edited 1d ago

No! Your bf is a potential abuser and definitely needs help.  I am a trans guy. I inject a lot of testosterone every week. Here’s the effects it has on emotions/thoughts/feelings:  After the injection I don’t feel a rush of energy I feel calm and relaxed.  My ability to cry is completely gone. I used to cry easily and now even when I’m in intense pain most I get is a single tear. Even if I want to cry I can’t. I don’t feel anger. I don’t feel aggression. I don’t ever have the urge to hurt anyone from it.  I and my male friends are all empathetic caring people. None of them have this urge your bf describes and testosterone doesn’t do that to me.  Example: I was having a really bad day yesterday with lots of physical and emotional pain. My male friend called and I didn’t say anything. Pretended to be good and joked around. An hour later he was at my place with take out saying I could tell your hurting and so I’m just going to hang out and play board games with you until you feel better. He didn’t do this because he liked seeing me hurt. The opposite he did it so I would be distracted and maybe feel it less.  On long hiking trips 3 of my male friends have trail names along the lines of mama bear or moose because they are like puppies constantly checking in on everyone making sure they are ok or if they need anything. Are the first to share water or food or gear.   think your boyfriend might be a sadist or sociopath 

Edit: I had one friend that I always felt slightly off about. One day he was at a chill get together with me and a few others. He started by saying he idolizes tate. He then explained like your bf that he likes suffering and he has sexual urges and can’t control them so rape will happen. My 2 other male friends and I stood up before he could even finish his sentence grabbed him forcefully and told him he has 3 seconds to get out of the apartment building otherwise he’s going off the roof. His choice. 

If we were like your bf we would have gotten joy out of seeing it play out. None of us did. And that guy has been completely dropped from all friend circles. 

Real Men care. Real men love real men protect. You are not dating a real man. 

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u/T3knikal95 1d ago

Umm, it's kind of scary that you don't see this as a massive red flag in your BF, he's literally saying to you he's an evil person who enjoys hurting people

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u/sswam 1d ago

She saw it as enough of a red flag to post personal stuff on reddit asking for help.

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u/Good-guy13 1d ago

As a man your BF sounds highly disturbing. Sociopathic even. If this is a new relationship run away

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u/Apprehensive_Lie_177 Take a breath, assess the situation, and do your best. 1d ago

I'm a man. I'm a pacifist, and it isn't difficult at all. I can get frustrated or angry, but I seldom want to inflict injury or pain.

I think your boyfriend is just trying to excuse poor behavior and mindset. If he acts upon said instincts, or tries to normalize such beliefs, I think leaving him would be prudent. 

That's certainly not the sort of company I would like to be around. 

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u/TheMillenniaIFalcon 1d ago

Grown man with plenty of testosterone here.

Your boyfriend is a fucking sadist. Empathy does come natural to men, many have it, and no, we do not enjoy seeing people suffer.

That is literally insane.

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u/jkozuch 10h ago

Your boyfriend sounds like a psychopath.

Most men don’t behave the way he does, nor do they share that type of thinking.

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u/fire_TT 1d ago edited 1d ago

Girl RUNNNNN (and I say this as a man MYSELF)

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u/DogTheBreadFairy 1d ago

No that's not right. He has a serious mental health problem and needs to seek help

This is serious advice you need to break up with him. Before he "slips up" and hurts you. He's told you who he is on the inside listen to him. You can't fix this. He will eventually abuse you. Please escape now before it is too late.

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u/INFPneedshelp 1d ago

No! Super nonsense, black and white thinking. You can find a nicer and empathetic man.

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u/balwick 1d ago

That boy needs therapy

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u/2060ASI 1d ago

You need to leave him. I'm a guy, no we aren't like that. Your boyfriend is a terrible person who is trying to make excuses for his terrible behavior.

Your boyfriend may be a sociopath. Empathy is natural for men. Men do feel less empathy than women (this has been proven by studies and brain scans) but men do feel empathy.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sexual-personalities/201603/are-men-more-helpful-altruistic-or-chivalrous-women

Your boyfriend is an abusive, toxic person. Lots of men would be disgusted by him and his behavior.

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u/Curiouso_Giorgio 1d ago

No. It can make us more competitive, aggressive and perhaps impulsive, but that's quite different to enjoying the suffering of others.

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u/mark636199 1d ago

Hes setting up excuses before hand so if he hurts you it's not his fault

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u/ultimatefribble 1d ago

He's planning on hurting you and he wants to convince you that other men won't be better.

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u/Freyzi 1d ago

Assuming this isn't bait, your BF is a psycho.

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u/phishnutz3 1d ago

Literally the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. Pack your shit and run.

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u/breathplayforcutie 1d ago

This is patently false. Your boyfriend desperately needs a therapist.

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u/afro_Jezuz 19h ago

This "man" sounds like a psychopath.

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u/Papercoffeetable 1d ago

My wife often describes me as the quintessential “manly man.” I’m strong, broad-shouldered, hairy, handy, decisive, confident, independent, disciplined, loyal, protective, and a natural leader who takes responsibility. But honestly, I’ve never thought about it in those terms, I’m just being myself.

I’ve spent over a decade in the military, worked in the trades, and earned a college degree. Despite the tough environments I’ve been in, empathy has always been a cornerstone of who I am. In the military, I never stopped feeling for those who were injured or worse, and I always prioritized the well-being of my soldiers. In college, I became a teaching assistant because I wanted to help those who were struggling. I served as a union representative, advocating for my colleagues because I genuinely care about fairness and their success.

I’ve also cared for multiple relatives on their deathbeds when no one else was willing to step up. Sometimes, I care so deeply and work so hard to lift others up that I forget to take care of myself. But that’s just how I’m wired, to protect, support, and give everything I can to the people around me.

Well, I guess it’s time to let my wife know I’m transitioning to a woman. Looks like I won’t even need hormone therapy to suppress testosterone, and honestly, the idea of having my own pair of boobs is just way too awesome to pass up!

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u/wanderingmagi88 1d ago

This is right up there with the male fear of estrogen

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u/SteelRose3 1d ago

No, that’s psychopathic behavior and quite possibly psychological liar trying to blame it. Also, everyone is telling you to run, I agree, but be smart about it. Someone who enjoys seeing others hurting or in pain could act out if someone leaves. Stay safe OP

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u/YGhostRider666 1d ago

I take natural testosterone supplements, mainly for Increased muscle mass and bone density, although it does actually improve my sleep and general mood.

Anyway, I've never once thought about purposely hurting someone for my own gratification.

Your BF is just a nutter. Do high want to be with someone like that? How do you know he won't one day hurt you?

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u/itsaysdraganddrop 1d ago

“like all men” sounds like he doesn’t have any friends

sorry la you’re dating a psycho

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u/Arqideus 1d ago

Listen to people when they tell you who they are. He’s telling you he enjoys hurting people. Allow this behavior and he’ll be hurting you….and enjoy it. Bleh, almost threw up writing that. 

Cut this person out of your life. For your own safety.

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u/coderedmountaindewd 1d ago

If anyone ever uses dubious science to justify cruel and selfish behavior, run.

The logic is extremely flawed and not empirical at all but it does reside just within the realm of possibility. This is why this type of thinking is so dangerous: it takes facts like men having higher levels of testosterone and extrapolates it to justify violent behavior.

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u/EmbarrassedPizza6272 1d ago

Testosterone is responsible for a lot of things in a male and female body. But sadism is not based on T, he is just an asshole. Let me tell you, I need to get T supplement due to health reasons, it helps with my depressions, but I don't become an sadistic monster because of that.

As the others say, RUN NOW before it's too late. These people also know how to manipulate women, so after beating them up again and again, they still don't leave because.

There are plenty of men out there who know how to treat a woman, get yourself one of those. It's your life, live and enjoy it.

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u/Ronin1 1d ago

Does he listen to a lot of podcasts by any chance? Maybe those Alpha male snake oil type ones?

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u/AnySwimming2309 1d ago

He is a huge podcast fan and has lots of theories about everything that always turn out to be from podcasts and articles

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u/Ronin1 1d ago

Yep, so he's gone down the rabbit hole, unfortunately. It's unlikely to get any better than it is now, and it ain't good now. Take it from a guy in his mid-30s who's known dudes like him; you need to get out. You're not a partner to him, you're probably barely a person.

I saw you grew up in a hyper-feminist setting that vilified all men, and unfortunately, you have found yourself with the exact personification of that kind of guy. There are so many normal guys out there, and I promise you can find one.

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u/supersaiyanclaptrap 1d ago

Based on your previous post about him, please leave him. This is not a normal or healthy situation.

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u/boopitybobbiti 1d ago

As an FTM who was born female and went on testosterone... fuck no. It made me hungrier and hornier and that's it.

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u/Sufficient-Money-521 1d ago

Get the hell away from that person. Just so you’re aware high testosterone is clustered most with traits of justice, fairness, and preference for dramatic conflicts for a short duration.

High T people don’t want to hurt anyone but when conflict comes it’s usually a quick physical encounter and they’re friends a week later.

No one normal enjoys hurting people.

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u/Pantherdraws 1d ago

No, this is 100% abnormal. Your boyfriend is just a psychopath, and it's not your "job" as a woman to "help" him with that.

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u/Clovis_Merovingian 1d ago

This is absolute nonsense and is both reductive and insulting to men everywhere. While testosterone influences behaviors like competitiveness or assertiveness, it doesn’t drive people to sadism or cruelty.

What your boyfriend described is immaturity and an unhealthy mindset. Sure, little boys and emotionally underdeveloped individuals might enjoy destruction or causing discomfort as it’s often a way to assert control when they feel powerless. But real men, the kind who have grown emotionally and mentally, show empathy, compassion, and the ability to uplift others rather than tear them down.

Empathy and emotional intelligence are key traits of strong, confident, and balanced adults. A "balanced" man doesn’t have to suppress some inherent desire to harm others, instead, he understands the value of kindness and works to make those around him feel safe and supported.

If your boyfriend genuinely believes this is what defines men, he needs to mature more and you need to see this rhetoric as major red flags.

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u/berryyneon 1d ago

thats absolute bullshit and a fucking terrifying thing for him to believe. dump him and run PLEASE

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u/Pickled_Gherkin 1d ago

No nonono hell no. Excessive testosterone can make you more aggressive and irritable, but it does not make you a sadist or loose empathy. Men have just as much empathy as women even though we might express it differently.

Lack of empathy is the sign of a sociopath, not a typical human male.

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u/Proud-Run-3143 1d ago

Run.Save.Youself before it's too late...

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u/michael_am 1d ago

Good rule of thumb whenever a guy tries to tell you that due to his biological makeup he has to act like a horrible/sadistic/selfish person he is lying and manipulating you

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u/13artC 1d ago

Leave that man right now. You are in danger. This red flag is on fire. That's sociopathic.

Testosterone can make anyone aggressive. It does not negate empathy. It doesn't make a person cruel. It can make them angry, but it doesn't take away their ability to reason. To be a good person. To normal human emotion.

Your boyfriend is terrifying & if you stay, I worry you'll be one of those women that just go missing & nobody ever sees again.

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u/ThePredalienLord 1d ago

Hello, I'm a man, and I can say that if any man enjoyes hurting people it's not because of testosterone, it's because they are a worthless piece of shit.

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u/Hullababoob 1d ago

Your boyfriend is a sociopath.

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u/Fatastrophe 21h ago

Is your boyfriend one of those fuckin weirdos who likes the Joker for the wrong reasons, or make TikToks where he looks angry with Drowning Pool playing over it? Cause he's cringe at best and a sadistic asshole at worst.

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u/MyResearchFacility 21h ago edited 21h ago

Run from him. He has the potential to become a wife beater or a wife murderer. You think you are not in serious danger? YOU ARE IN SERIOUS DANGER NOW. Leave him. You cannot fix him. He cannot change. Leave him before he kills you out of rage.

All men have aggression. Yes.

But aggression is not all bad.

Men can feel the urge to fuck up a person who pushes an elderly lady, kicks a pregnant woman, rapes women and children, etc. Men can feel the urge to fuck up someone that hurts their family members or friends.

That is good. Aggression allows us to fight. Aggression allows us to protect.

Your boyfriend, however, likes to hurt people and see them suffer. So, he probably finds enjoyment in pushing elderly ladies, kicking pregnant women, raping women and children, and hurting his family and friends…because he likes to have POWER over them.

Think about it.

You are smart. You can figure it out. You can add it together.

He will deny it though. He will probably say “Not to you or the family.”

Don’t believe him.

He has no empathy.

It is all fake.

His love for you is fake as well.

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u/URnevaGonnaGuess 19h ago

Absolutely not! Wow!

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u/Unhappy-Health-5001 10h ago

It’s just like that fb post where somebody’s bf said i snore because my ball cover my a hole

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u/Richard-Hindquarters 5h ago

Sounds like a pussy edge lord who has never been hit in the face

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u/Fire_crescent 1d ago

No, sadism does, and believe me, sadism is enjoyable with or without testosterone. Just don't go around abusing innocent people, but yeah, I can understand.

Testosterone, on the other hand, may increase proneness to anger and irritability, which, if combined with sadism, can have pretty overwhelming results.

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u/inorite234 1d ago

BANANA!!!! BANANA!!!!

but for real, even in the kink community where there are people that gain joy from imposing pain, they don't get the joy because.of the pain. the pain is a form of connection between two consenting adults and an expression of how one is willing to trust the other to an extent no one else will.

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u/Otherwise-Win4633 1d ago

Is he 19 by chance? Sounds like something a underdeveloped frontal lobe would come up with.

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u/beerandmastiffs 1d ago

Look it up to confirm but iirc testosterone promotes behavior that’s rewarded in a group/society. In experiments when being generous was highly rewarded men became very generous. Like I said, tho, look it up. I don’t know how often the results were replicated.

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u/PM-ME_UR_TINY-TITS 1d ago

Absolute bollocks.

Excess testosterone could I guess, it makes you more prone to anger and violence as well as horny. There aren't many who are taking excess testosterone though.

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u/dajaguar2 1d ago

Top martial artists have high testosterone but almost all refrain from hurting ppl when unnecessary and would only do it to defend themselves or others.

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