The phrase "be a man" or "take it like a man" usually gives the idea that manliness is a cold, distant, emotionless, singularly logical functional state...With that, the bible disagrees vehemently!
THAT is the world's definition of a man - not God's.
God's definition of man is Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ typifies God's standard and expectation of mankind- male and female. He was thoughtful, kind and gentle. He played with children, had time for men AND women. He chose to be honest, transparent and true - a man of integrity.
And when righteous judgement was required, he was firm and passionately decisive in his words and action. Yet, he was moved by deep feelings of compassion such that he wept openly more than once in scripture.
In all this, we should remember the society in which he functioned at the time:
A society where the example of a man was either the distant, hypocritical religious Pharisee or the cold, hard, bullying Ceaser/Roman soldier. Both demanded absolute subservience.
Jesus, however, did not try to conform. He came to set the standard- the highest standard of humanity.
His authority, was approachable, intimate, selflessly pure, firm but kind. It was true power. He redefined Authority as the liberating confidence to serve. This definition in turn, allowed submission to be what it should be- an informed choice borne out of love and trust.
Because, where the Spirit of God is, there is (true) liberty For all. John 11:35, Luke 22:25 ,