I love men.
There, I said it.
You wouldn't think it, but in the current dialogue of society this can be quite a controversial thing to say.
I have been ostracised in groups of women for not joining in on man hating conversations, and standing my ground and saying that I know many good men.
I have been called a 'pick me' girl.
I don't deny that there are male predators.
Trust me, I have met them and related with them.
I even grew up around them.
So don't tell me that I don't know how abusive men can be- I know.
But, I refuse to label all men as the same.
Yes, I guess in a way I'm saying- "but not all men".
I was shocked recently when I hung out with a life long friend and she said she hated men- despite being in a good relationship with one.
I empathise with her experiences and that she has met men that treated her poorly.
But let's not forget about the beautiful men out there.
This note is for those men.
The men that love to provide.
The men that love to care.
The men that love to put effort in.
The men that love to serve.
I see you and I love your willingness to please.
I see you and I love your willingness to give.
Thank you for being a shining example of masculine energy.
I know the world isn't always kind to you.
I know it can be difficult to navigate what it means to be a man today.
Your presence makes a difference.
Your strength inspires.
Your vulnerability heals.
And for that, I am grateful.
I experienced so much man-shaming in my life, especially when I was younger. I think what's often overlooked in "problematic men" discourse is that the message impacts men in inverse proportion to how much they need to hear the message.
Which is to say: the overly sensitive, fearful guy who's already too far in nice-guy territory is deeply impacted by the message while the sociopathic abuser laughs it off.
Thank you for your recognition. You try to be a good man, gifts of service, vulnerable. Then it is used against you or your masculinity is questioned. It’s a fine line and it takes the right connection.