One thing men don't do for each other that women do for each other is, we generally don't support each other. There's not a culture of male solidarity that isn't based in rigid hierarchy and 'man card' bullshit. So, if you're a dude out there struggling? I feel that. I get it.
Some things to keep in mind -
Cruelty is the action of a coward and is rooted in fear. It's hurting other people to reassure the self that it stands atop the pyramid of awful. Real strength is kind. Real power doesn't need to shout or belittle, it can support and aid.
Cruelty is the action of a coward and is rooted in fear. It's hurting other people to reassure the self that it stands atop the pyramid of awful. Real strength is kind. Real power doesn't need to shout or belittle, it can support and aid.
It is strong to control your desires - you are not helpless in their grip. You can and should always look at a situation and ask yourself who you'd hurt, and always strive to minimize that number to zero. It's not always possible, but it should be your chief concern.
As weird as it may feel to think about it, and as odd as it may feel to read it, don't let people make you ashamed of your body or your face or your appearance. Work to improve them if you choose - that should always be a decision you can make and be supported in.
But whatever you look like, you deserve respect just for being human. You don't have to earn it by fucking anyone. You don't lose it for not fucking anyone. Being a man doesn't ever have to be about goalposts and benchmarks and 'man cards' - it's whatever you are. Be that person.
And I get that it feels weird when people say things like "Love yourself" or "You're beautiful" because it's so far outside how we're raised and taught to behave. But there is a path that doesn't need you to hurt anyone to be a man, and allows you to actually love yourself.
That's all. I don't pretend I'm great at this. I'm often awkward and I don't understand other people and I can't pretend I understand all the rules and limits of human interaction. But all any of us can do is try and be better and not hurt people. That's the one thing.
Just always try and leave the world a little bit better than you found it. Try and make a little less pain, a little less fear, a little more hope. It doesn't have to be perfect. Just do the best you can and no one can take it away from you.
It's okay to be you. It's good to be.
It's okay to be you. It's good to be.
