Thread by @ajmeader

I'm a single mom to two sons.

I struggle to convey the importance of being a good man in a society where sexual predators are Presidents & Supreme Court Justices and where women go on national television to protect the men they know from even the threat of accountability...

I worry about teaching my sons how to be good men in a society where being a man alone is what makes you good.

I used to emphasize being a good person but now I think I need to emphasize that in order to be a good man, you MUST be a good person.

So I'm penning this letter...

Dear sons:

You are unique, beautiful, and loved without condition (by me.)

And even though you'll always be my babies, you are also going to be men someday. And I expect you to be good men.

Good men are kind.

Good men comfort rather than bully.

Good men...

Good men are respectful, gracious & patient.

Good men listen with open ears & open hearts.

Good men protect others in need--adults, children, animals.

Good men never touch a living thing in anger.

Good men don't treat women like objects.

Good men seek consent before touching a woman (or romantic interest) & don't resent them for having to seek it.

Good men don't make promises they can't keep.

Good men speak out against injustice, discrimination and abuse--even if what they say is unpopular.

Good men admit their mistakes & are unafraid to apologize.

Good men treat others as they themselves wish to be treated.

Good men try to help other men be good, just as I hope you two will always try to help each other be good...

From what I've taught you, and from what you've shown me so far, I have no doubts in your abilities to be good men. You're already good people. Just don't stop.

Love,

Mom

#goodmen