I've never personally been a fan of the term "real man". It's usually used by women, who by definition have never been men, and charlatans selling women books.
What makes your "real man" criteria, LI?
What does he value? Who does he value? Why does he value it? What are his strengths and his weaknesses. Devotion to his beliefs. Strength of character. How courageous he is to stand his own no matter what when he believes he is right. When he falls does he get back up? Or does he wallow in self pity and loathing? How hard does he have to be hit to break him? And if it doesn't break him....what does he learn? Can he truly love? Can he keep his word? What does honor mean to him? When he makes a promise can i believe in it without a question?
Does he love his family? How devoted is he to his childrens welfare? growth? What about his extended family? Will he stop and really help an old lady across the street? Is he admirable? Is he giving? Is he honest? When i fall will he pick me up? How does he motivate me? Is he strong enough to carry me? Is he an upstanding man to whom others can look to for guidance? Wisdom?
Does he value me? What would he do for me? Is he willing to sacrifice for my happiness? Is he willing to defend me? How far is he willing to go to protect me? Us? His family? His friends? His neighborhood his people?
Can he remain calm in the heat of battle? Is he compassionate towards his enemies? does he seek understanding? Is he kind? Considerate? Does he hate black women? Does he view black women as the queen mothers of our species? Does he seek to help those who don't realize that themselves? What does he do for the young men of his community?
How well does he understand human nature? How do you feel about humanity as a whole? Do you feel it's your duty to do what you can for them?
Do i have to tell you to mow the lawn? Trim the hedges? Put gas in my car?
Do you remember important dates to me? Your children?
When you leave this world what have you done? What impression have you left on people? On your community? Who's life have you impacted in a positive way? How many people are working because of you? How many peoples lives have changed for the better because of you?
Many i presume/assume on this board would call my husband a simp. He loved his wife and kids. He loved his community and his people. He did everything he could for all of us. I loved that simp. And i try to be like him at all times. That's how he inspired me. So that's really what a real man is to me. My husband was all those things.
And he allowed me to be me. He didn't sweat the small things. He trusted me and i was able to trust him completely.
I disagree with a statement that was made about a woman can't say what a real man is. And if she does she hasn't seen one. Why is this said?