University of Virginia Library

Walking Phonies

Perhaps one of the greatest practical psychological
aids that women can provide for men is
the sympathetic listening ear of the trusted girl
friend. Whereas many a U.Va. gentleman will
encumber himself with the attitude that he dare
not admit weakness in front of other male
friends, he can ofter overcome this more easily
with his girl. This helps relieve his anxiety and
he frequently learns that having weaknesses is
human and nothing to get all hung up about.
He also learns that she needs him and this
realistically supports his own sense of male
competence. I definitely regard this pseudomasculine
image (super-cavalier?) of apparent
external infallibility as one of the major
psychological deterrents to self understanding
on the grounds today. Many of our students are
walking around feeling like phonies because
they are "acting" a role they sense is not
authentic.