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Real men are hard to find, or so they say. They are a dying breed or all taken, or so they say.
Real men are still around if you take the time to look. They are hidden among the jerks, the players, the a**holes, the evil ones, and the chauvinists.
Real men respect strong women and don’t try to quiet our voices. They enjoy having a spouse that is equal to them and the fruits of a partnership that is based on respect, love, and understanding.
Real men are equal parts strong and soft. They know when to carry a tough exterior and when a little tenderness is needed instead.
Real men stand up for what they believe in, regardless of what others think. They carry themselves with confidence without knocking the character of those around them.
Real men are role models for their children. They teach them to be kind, expressive with their feelings, respectful and strong all at the same time – often in the same moment.
Real men are guideposts for their families. They are hard workers, pillars of strength and a soft place to land when the world hurts their loved ones.
Real men show their true hearts. They aren’t afraid to talk about the hard stuff, they can show their heart to those they hold dear, and understand that showing emotion is not a weakness.
Real men can admit when they are feeling weak. They speak up when they are struggling, when they need assistance or are fighting a battle that they know they just can’t win without a little help.
Real men defend the innocent. They speak up when necessary, they defend when it’s called for, and they always look out for those that have lost their way.
Real men love their partners even when they don’t like them. They understand that marriage is tough, that there will be hard times and times of disagreement but they stick it out because they love that other person more than anything.
Real men are go-getters. They bust their butts to provide for their family, whether it’s at a job or at home – they do their part to keep everyone fed, healthy and happy.
Real men aren’t arrogant or prideful. They carry themselves with grace, they’ll never be the first to boast about their achievements, but also have the confidence and self-esteem of the worthy person they are.
Real men have tender hearts. They know how to wipe alligator tears off of little faces, give bear hugs to spouses that are down and calm fears of those around them like nobody else.
Real men are fighters. They stick up for what they believe in, shut down people that are wrong, and are warriors of their loved ones.
Real men are our dads, husbands, uncles, sons, grandfathers, brothers, and friends. They are everywhere, they are amongst us, they still exist – you just have to know where to look.
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Previously published on Facebook and reprinted with the author’s permission.
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