In the age of hyper-curation, micro-aestheticism, and endless scrolling, the internet has quietly created a whole new catalogue of men to which everyone is collectively swooning. These "types" are more than just about their looks; they act as representations of how ideas of masculinity are shifting toward softness, emotional presence, and charm that feels real.
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The 'man written by women': Internet's favourite green flag
The man written by women is an archetype of the emotional fluency and respect that the internet has come to love. He articulates his thoughts clearly, listens without ego, and apologises when necessary; he treats everyday moments with romantic sincerity. Well-dressed, grounded, and gentle, he was a protagonist chiselled out of the thoughtful female mind. Shah Rukh Khan owns this trope-soft-spoken, polished, and steady, like he walked straight out of a modern-day love story, full of warmth.
The ‘soft boy’: cardigans, calm energy, quiet charm
The soft boy marks a refreshing shift from aggressive masculinity. He is introspective, gentle, and never afraid to talk about his feelings. A cardigan is practically his uniform. Siddharth Malhotra has become the poster child of this aesthetic- towering frame on the outside, soft energy on the inside, and a personality that feels disarmingly tender.
The ‘girly pop’: Playful, dramatic, and confidently expressive
"Girly Pop" men bring a splash of drama, humour and light-hearted femininity. They challenge stereotypes simply by being expressive and fun. Vicky Kaushal is the internet's reigning Girly Pop - rugged yet warm, mischievous yet wholesome, and always a delight with his meme-worthy charm.
The ‘performative male’: Softness, but make it aesthetic
This archetype is the softer boy's hyper-curated cousin. Retro tote bags full of flowers, pastel hoodies, thrifted trinkets, and yes-a cute charm on the backpack. It's masculinity performed with a wink. Ishaan Khatter embodies this vibe with his playful, self-aware softness that feels perfectly tuned to the algorithm.
The ‘flower boy’: Beauty, blooms and gentle grace
Think fresh flowers, glowing selfies, and an easy embracing of femininity. The flower boy blends beauty with vulnerability with ease. Ayushmann Khurrana fits into this space with his tender presence and those sunlit photos with bougainvillaea that fans cannot resist.
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The ‘golden retriever’ boy: Sunshine wrapped in a smile
Warm, goofy, loyal - the golden retriever boy is pure comfort energy. He exudes sweetness without trying and carries that boy-next-door charm that’s hard to ignore. Rohit Saraf has become the internet’s favourite here because of his unaffected, heart-melting warmth.
Together, these archetypes show one thing clearly: the world is finally celebrating men who lead with softness, empathy, and emotional depth. And honestly, it's about time.
