There’s a lot of work that still needs to be done en masse before the conversation around toxic masculinity can be drawn to a close, and a huge part of tackling the problem involves its polar opposite: positive masculinity.

If you’re somebody who dates men, it’s a trait that you should keep your eyes peeled for.

What is positive masculinity?

Counsellor Georgina Sturmer defines positive, healthy masculinity as something that “runs counter to the traditional (or perhaps old-fashioned) narrative that men need to present themselves in a certain way in order to ‘be’ masculine and that men need to suppress their emotions to exude strength and power”.

From a dating perspective, Sturmer says being in touch with their feelings in this way could make it even easier for you to form a proper, positive bond with each other. It will also help you communicate effectively with each other over time, which is vital in any relationship.

Meanwhile, Hayley Quinn, dating expert for Match, says positive masculinity traits include reliability, inner strength, determination and protecting and providing for their loved ones.

This isn’t to say that people who aren’t men can’t have all of these traits too. These are qualities that would be great in any partner, regardless of gender. But when you’re trying to swerve toxic masculinity in particular, these are the types of green flags that should be at the forefront of our minds.

The good news? This positive masculinity isn’t as rare as we might fear.

Quinn tells us: “It’s really important to recognise that while there’s been lots in the press on toxic masculinity, many men do in fact embody positive masculine traits. It’s essential to be on the lookout for these traits in potential partners to meet someone that can confidently offer you a healthy and committed relationship.”

So how can we go about finding men like this?

Positive masculinity traits anybody who dates men needs to look out for