The Needy Little Boy Syndrome: Why Men Perform & How to Be Authentic

Do you ever feel like you're performing in your relationship, constantly trying to say or do the right thing to get the love you want? In this episode of the Reforged Podcast, Scott Austin Martin dissects the "Needy Little Boy Syndrome" — a pattern where grown men operate from a place of emotional immaturity, leading to cycles of performance, avoidance, and conflict. We explore how this syndrome is often rooted in childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and insecure attachment styles, causing men to wear masks of performance, people-pleasing, or dominance to protect themselves. Scott explains why your woman can feel this performance and why she craves your authentic truth, even if it's messy. This episode is a deep dive into masculine authenticity, nervous system regulation, and the practical steps you can take to move from performance to presence. You'll learn how to identify your own patterns of numbing and escape (like porn, alcohol, or overworking) and how to start building a container of masculine energy that allows you to be real, grounded, and truly connected. If you're ready to let the boy fall so the man can rise, this episode is for you.

Episode note - AMP has now created The Dopaman Reset (replaced the workbook mentioned) - access it here www.dopamanreset.com

Key Topics Covered:
- What is the "Needy Little Boy Syndrome"?
- The link between childhood trauma and adult relationship patterns
- Why performance and people-pleasing push your partner away
- How to move from masculine collapse to authentic vulnerability
- Practical tools for nervous system regulation and self-awareness

The mission: One simple step you can take this week to build authenticity

Connect with The Authentic Masculinity Project:
Website: https://beingherenow.com
Scott's TikTok: @Scott.Austin.Martin

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