i don't mean it so literally, it is a misfortune of how these words are commonly used to describe character traits that have nothing to do with gender. its nothing about masculinity, or machismo...

this concept of 'being a man about it' i think most people understand if you say it that way, which is why i use those words.

its a shame that it is such a gender specific term because 'manning up' and 'not being such a girl' are things that i believe women should equally be encouraged to do as men. the fact that the terminology is classically steeped in sexism really sucks because it quite literally turns 'being a man' into a compliment and 'being a girl' into an insult...

all people should be encouraged to be strong and self-reliant.