As I nestle into bed, my partner, Jake, strolls in with a steaming mug of coffee. He flashes a grin and chuckles, “Your morning face is priceless,” before planting a gentle kiss on my forehead and handing me my latte.
Most mornings, I am greeted by this sweet ritual. I must admit, Jake’s not just a great coffee maker; he’s also the one who tackles the dishes, prepares meals, shops for groceries, and mops the floors. I’ve hit the jackpot with a wonderful man—one who embodies kindness, decency, and responsibility. He shares the load and treats me as his equal. After 18 years of marriage, this unwavering support is who he is.
While some might call me fortunate—and I do recognize that—Jake isn’t an anomaly. He’s not the only good man in my life, and I know there are many more out there. Unfortunately, our society often chooses to spotlight the toxic behaviors of a few instead of celebrating the countless good men who deserve recognition. We hear far too often about the misogynistic individuals—the ones who mistreat their partners and boast about their vile actions. However, I believe these men are not the majority in our communities.
Let’s take a moment to acknowledge the countless remarkable men who often go unnoticed. The fathers I babysat for in my teens, who drove me home safely without making me feel uncomfortable. The boyfriends from my youth who respected my boundaries and never pushed me beyond my limits. My male friends and family who proudly identify as feminists and advocate for equality.
So, let’s raise a glass to these good men:
- Here’s to the compassionate, hardworking individuals who we know we can rely on.
- Here’s to those who express their emotions and show vulnerability.
- Here’s to the men who reject the notion that testosterone justifies bad behavior and understand that locker room talk shouldn’t demean women.
- Here’s to the fathers who engage actively in parenting and don’t merely “babysit” their own children.
- Here’s to the men who uplift the women in their lives, encouraging them to chase their dreams without feeling threatened by their success.
- Here’s to those who appreciate the unique contributions women make and work towards greater female representation in every sphere of society—because they understand that striving for equality benefits everyone.
- Here’s to the men who see that men and women are like the wings of a bird; both must be strong for humanity to soar.
- Here’s to those who are genuinely appalled by the actions of people like Brock Turner and are bewildered by violence against women.
- Here’s to the individuals who reject the dismissive “boys will be boys” mantra, recognizing it as an insult to their identity.
- Here’s to those who grasp the importance of setting higher standards for male behavior and inspire others to do the same.
I know many of these men personally, and I’m sure you do too. If not, it might be time to seek out new friendships. Good, kind, and decent men are indeed everywhere if you look closely.
So, here’s to the incredible men of the world. May we find them, cherish them, and raise our sons to embody these values. Cheers!
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In summary, let’s take a moment to appreciate the good men who surround us, the ones who support and uplift, and strive to create a better world for all.