Most people start lifting weights because they feel insecure and are deficient in either looks/money/status.Also its a more low IQ activity in general.People involved in it tend to dream about winning back respect by getting big so of course there will be arguments and put downs.
Theres a lot of truth too your post the MAJORITY of us started “lifting weights” for 1 or 2 reasons...1 some of us actually started lifting weights for functional reasons as in using weights as a means too a end too help with our sporting pursuits like football, combat sports for extra bulk, size punching kicking power etc etc
Or 2...imo the most common among most...inferiority issues/insecurities... usually steaming from childhood inadequatesies that we can somehow “fix” those problems/insecurities with developing a “gorilla suit” of artificial armour too protect us against what we believe are “threats” in our lives.
The problems arise when we are ether no longer capable of lifting weights taking drugs though (major injuries etc) in order too keep that artificial suit of armour up...and back comes those long lost insecurities I have several old friends I’ve known over 35 years that are in this boat nowadays
The gorilla suits are now gone and 2 of them in particular I’ve known since 1985...training hard got them the physiques...the attention... took the drugs for the better part of 20 odd years and are now...more or less relegated too looking normal...both now in real depression, won’t take calls, only go out in public FULLY covered in baggy oversized jackets dark shades etc etc...1 is 52 years old the other just turned 50.
and it’s blatantly apparent that once their gorilla suits were gone those old insecurities they had as children... were still there all along after all.