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“Always Busy, Never Fulfilled: The Modern Man’s Trap”
A lot of men are busy.
Work is full.
Days are structured.
There’s always something to do.
From the outside, it can look like things are going well.
But underneath that, there’s a different experience.
A sense that despite everything being in place…
Something still isn’t quite right.
Alan Stokes
Jul 13 min read


The Silent Pressure on Men to ‘Hold It All Together’
There’s a pressure a lot of men carry.
Not always spoken about.
Not always obvious.
But it’s there.
Alan Stokes
Jun 103 min read


Why Men Don’t Talk (And What Actually Helps Instead)
“Men just don’t talk.”
It’s something you hear a lot.
Said casually.
Repeated often.
Almost accepted as fact.
But when you look closer, it’s not quite true.
Because men do talk.
Just not always in the way people expect.
And not always in environments that make it easy.
Alan Stokes
Jun 34 min read


“I Should Be Happy… So Why Don’t I Feel It?”
On paper, everything looks alright.
You’ve got a job.
You’re handling your responsibilities.
You’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing.
From the outside, there’s no obvious problem.
But internally, something doesn’t quite line up.
There’s a flatness to things.
A lack of real enjoyment.
A sense that you’re going through life… rather than actually in it.
And the confusing part is this:
You can’t always point to a clear reason why.
Alan Stokes
May 273 min read


Breaking the Silence: Why Men in Plymouth Need to Talk
Ever noticed how men often dodge serious conversations about what’s really on their minds? Instead of opening up, many crack jokes or change the subject. It’s like there’s an unspoken rule: don’t show worry, just laugh it off. But why is that? Why do so many men find it easier to use humour as a shield rather than talk honestly about their worries?
Alan Stokes
May 214 min read


The Pressure of Being the Strong One
I think a lot of men quietly break under pressure long before anybody notices.
Not because they are weak.
But because they become too good at hiding it.
Over the last few years, I found myself carrying pressures from every direction at once.
Alan Stokes
May 214 min read


Are You Lonely? The Feeling We Don’t Talk About
“Loneliness is the signal men rarely speak about. Discover why silence around loneliness harms wellbeing—and how honest connection can change everything.”
Alan Stokes
Oct 31, 20254 min read


The Mask of Perfection: Breaking Free from the Burden
“Why chasing ‘flawless’ keeps men stuck. Discover how putting down the perfect shield eases pressure, reduces isolation, and builds real strength through connection.”
Alan Stokes
Oct 24, 20254 min read


Embracing Vulnerability: A Path to Connection and Growth
Discover why vulnerability isn’t weakness, how avoidance harms relationships, and practical steps to build courage, honesty, and connection.
Alan Stokes
Oct 17, 20254 min read


The Mask of Perfection, the Fear of Vulnerability, and the Cost of Silence
Discover how perfectionism and silence hurt men’s wellbeing—and how vulnerability, honesty, and brotherhood build real strength.
Alan Stokes
Oct 3, 20254 min read


Accountability & Brotherhood: Why Men Can’t Do This Alone
MoMENtum Men’s Group helps men in Plymouth build accountability, brotherhood, and connection. Discover why no man thrives alone.
Alan Stokes
Sep 26, 20253 min read


Men, Shame, and the “Not Good Enough” Trap
Discover how shame impacts men’s mental health and relationships, and learn practical steps to break the cycle.
Alan Stokes
Sep 19, 20253 min read
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