The climb is not going to be easy.

But. Seeing that you're in the bucket is. Not seeing you're in the bucket doesn't make you stupid. But. Thinking you can stay in the bucket and not be boiled for dinner eventually is stupid. That's what the bucket is for. Thinking you can keep the bait but will be excused or pardoned from the trap is stupid.

If you want out, you HAVE to let go. Stop grasping for and clutching worthless tat like it's a real prize.

I'm mixing metaphors, but you catch my drift.

Jesus actually had the right of it here, and this is why. Masculinity /Femininity is fool's gold. And people with grasp at it like it's the most rare and precious thing on this Earth. All because it's shiny.

That. Is stupid. It's also cowardly.

The only way out is to walk away as much as you can. Start shedding what isn't necessary and don't look back.