Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
Person Asks Folks Online To Share Examples Of Positive Masculinity After Hearing Too Many “Toxic” Ones, And 30 Folks Deliver
There’s a lot that’s wrong with the world, and the root of all evil, mostly, are humans themselves. And as if that wasn’t enough that the entire species is nearly solely responsible for the state of things on the planet, the species also needs to come up with social constructs that are toxic beyond belief.
But we’re not here to talk about the toxic because enough is enough and we now need positive examples of something that many have already discussed in detail from a negative side—and that is masculinity.
Yep, one Reddit user, after having enough of it, asked the lovely folks of the very popular social medium to share examples of constructive, uplifting or downright positive masculinity, whether specific of general.
Over 4,500 comments later, and nearly 17,000 upvotes, the threat went viral with positivity, so Bored Panda has gathered the best ways of how any guy can show a positive and constructive example to others through who they are as a human being.
So, check out the curated list below, vote and comment on the most rewarding examples of masculinity, and why not share your own examples in the comment section under the list!
More Info: Reddit
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
I fell asleep on the sofa after a really hard day, but I was sort of dozing, not fully asleep. My 16 year old son came into the room, saw me sleeping, and started tiptoeing around, shut the blinds, turned the lights off and covered me in a blanket because he was going to use the backyard gym which required a window to be open for an extension lead and he didn't want me to get cold. It was just so thoughtful and did surprise me a bit because he normally has tunnel vision.
He's also really stepped up the last few weeks, I've been on sick leave, I'm a nurse and got attacked by a patient so have my hand in a soft cast for ligament damage. He's cooked pretty much every evening. He has also been meal planning for the week. I am married, but it's turned into a bit of 'us time' and he's really enjoying learning to cook.
I'm so proud of him and told him this the other day and we had a huge hug. I love him so much.
Patti Vance 3 years ago
you raised a good man. i did the same, apparently, because my son has taken care of me off and on since he was a teen. in the beginning, it was kind of funny; like when he would bake me chocolate chip cookies once a month. when i asked him why only once a month he told me he figured out when my pms would kick in so chocolate chip cookies a must. then, i ended up becoming disabled, needing several surgeries. i had surgery last week & he stepped up again. he helps w/personal issues (hey, when you have one child & that is a boy you don't get hung up on false modesty!) as well as my physical therapy coach. i think he kind of likes that because he gets to boss me around regarding getting up and moving. he's now a 42 big burly bearded guy but, as he self describes, a mama's boy because "she took care of me-now i take care of her".
Morgan Wickham 3 years ago
When my son was teenager I was working grave. I fell asleep on the couch and he covered me up with a blanket
Colin Hartung 3 years ago
sorry, but did you just say that you were attacked and bitten? and now you're sick? *cough* zombie apocalypse *cough*
Jackie Nettleton 3 years ago
You are raising a great man there, he will be a fantastic partner one day for the lucky person who he goes out with. Also the life skills he is learning now will make him a fully functional adult which is also a great thing
Ecclissi D 3 years ago
Amazing isn't it? When suddenly they start caring, and you begin to see the man, the adult you have been raising.. shining through the face of the kid they have been.. Seeing them become caring young adults, and have that moment of "Oh wow! I got parenting right somehow!" Because.. you did. Yeah, we make mistakes as parents, we all do.. but there is no surer way you got it mostly right than when they start to care about you, like you have always cared for them... When they start showing the kind of adult level of love and being a decent person you have unconsciously modeled their whole life. Take a moment to appreciate such moments.. You have made a positive difference in the world. ❤️ Well done..
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
I remember doing this for my mom. She's always been mildly codependent. Shortly after she and my step-dad got married, he deployed (she was in basic when he proposed over the phone. they got married less than 2 weeks after he got out of basic). So she fell in and out of depressive states the whole time he was gone, and this happened every time he deployed. During those depressive states, I cooked, cleaned, did my chores and homework, I'd remind her to shower and tell her I'd take over whatever she was doing until she got back (usually playing toontown). Heck, I even did the shopping a couple of times because we ran low on food. I'd get the basics of our meals at the time (usually hamburger helper, burger, and canned veggies). Of course, I always knew when she was feeling better cause I could hear the music from school (granted, we lived less than a block away).
RELATED:
#2
My husband switching seats on an airline with a teenage girl being harassed by an old creep. Hes very large, bearded, and wears metal t-shirts. He plopped down next to creeper and said "you said you were buying drinks?"
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
I've done this on a train. Saw a girl of probably 15 being harassed by a guy of probably 40+. So I walked up and said "excuse me miss, I believe we got each others seats". She glanced back at where I had been sitting and saw my 8 year old back there. She gladly switched. And yes, I kept an eye on them. But she was more than happy to hang out and chill with a sweet little girl as opposed to a fugly a*s creepy.
Lisa Valen 3 years ago
The fact that he wears shirts of metal would be enough to scare me quiet.
Sausage Trophy 3 years ago
Haha yeah, I'd be quite scared if someone was casually wearing a shirt made of metal too 😂
Load More Replies...
#3
Freaking Terry Crews! In a world where men are shamed for talking about sexual assault against them, Terry Crews openly does it! And he’s seen as the “big dude manly man”. He’s trying to set an example for other male victims out there.
Sue Lynn Chan 3 years ago (edited)
No matter what genders they are, sexual assault is a true sin!!
Laura Gillette 3 years ago
Am I the only one who thinks his biceps look like coconuts? Or giant peaches?
Ecclissi D 3 years ago
Yeah, as a survivor, seeing male survivors finally beginning to really speak out and break out of the silence that so often surrounds sexual violence is something I can only deeply support. It's nothing anyone can be happy about because it shouldn't ever happen to anyone. It shouldn't be necessary.. but I'm proud, because I know what it takes to do it. To let a cycle of pain end with you because you are stronger than your abusers. Hold your head up. Yes, you are what a "real man" looks like. No matter your physique, whether you look like Steve Rogers or Captain America, we already know you are the same man, regardless ;)
#4
In high school one time, a guy gave his guy best friend a birthday gift, and guy 2 loved it so much he gave guy 1 the biggest hug in the middle of class. I think everyone’s hearts melted. All guys should be that confident / allowed to be that confident.
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
It doesn't matter what your sexuality is, men need touch. We may deny it, but most men are so touch starved that even a hug can make us feel emotional.
Peter 3 years ago
People need to stop worrying about what assumptions others make about their sexuality. Hugging my mates is a common thing. But even if things are getting somewhat more equal in the world, it wasn’t that many years so that people ended up imprisoned or dead because of judgements about their sexuality. So I guess old habits die hard.
#5
The pastor at my church brings a group to the pride parade to support "all of god's children." He started asking me come with them to give out "dad hugs" to the younger folks who have been abandoned by their families because they are gay. He said I'm the most dad like person he's met, huge, bald, beard, glasses, pot belly, flannel shirt, etc. Most of the people I gave hugs to did it as a lark, but there were a few who really needed to get a big bear hug and be told that they're ok, and I'm proud of them.
Scagsy 3 years ago
A hug is a very powerful thing. Even done as a lark they still carry warmth and affection. Sometimes, it's the ones who are larking around that need a hug the most, because the 'larking' is a shield to protect true feelings.
Jackie Nettleton 3 years ago
Sometimes the worst thing a LGBTQ+ person will face is the loss of family, I know for me that was my biggest fear before coming out, it was so bad I had a reoccurring nightmare that stopped the night I came out. I knew that I would be ok to lose friends and aquatints I could alway find new ones. I have massive respect for parents that come to pride events to offer comfort and a hug from a parent
Richard Nenoff 3 years ago
PFLAG shows up at every Pride every year and gives out free hugs. One of my first Prides, I remember there was this really quiet guy kinda standing to the side watching a PFLAG mom give out hugs. It was really obvious he wanted one, but was too afraid to ask. She noticed him, walked up and asked if he wanted a hug. He fell into her arms and started bawling. She asked what was wrong and he told her it was the first time a mom had hugged him since his kicked him out when he was 13 and came out to her. Kid had to be in his 20s at this point. Later that night, when I got home, I hugged my mom for a solid minute. Even now the memory makes me tear up. Good on you for doing this, and good on your pastor for pushing you to it. I still sometimes wonder about that guy who just needed a hug from his mom and have someone tell him that he was alright and loved. I hope he's living a wonderful life somewhere.
Jill McElroy 3 years ago
When my kid came out, first thing we did together (2 weeks later) was attend Pride in SF. OMG!! Best! Day! Ever! Watching my baby shine cause she saw how big her tribe really was, still makes me tear up. And I got to go around giving out Mom Hugs, which after your kids turn 10 you don’t get nearly enough of! Signed myself up to volunteer at other Bay Area Pride events immediately!
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
It is not the place of man to judge men, but the place of God to judge sinners and saints. When God said to love thy neighbor, he never said "unless..." Be kind to each other.
TrixicBird(Any pronouns) 3 years ago
i wish my pastors in the town i grew up in were like this.
Helga Zwemmer 3 years ago
A hug is the perfect gift: one size fits all and nobody minds if you exchange it!
Amanda Hunter 3 years ago
After moving to ID I now realize that they need support and acceptance.
#6
anonymous said:
A father teaching his sons to love and respect their mother even though they’re in the middle of a nasty divorce.
More-Masterpiece-561 replied:
Years ago I saw this post on FB that a father was helping out his sons to cook his ex wife's favorite dish and bake a cake for her birthday. I was a preteen at the time, I thought that's the kind of man I wanna be when I grow up.
Gavin Johnson 3 years ago
As a separated Dad I can’t begin to understand why you wouldn’t be guiding your children like this. My daughter loves her Mum (and rightly so) and my relationship issues with her Mum should not be visited upon her. All I want is a happy daughter, a daughter who sees that adults make mistakes but who own them and treat each other with respect and care. We agreed that our daughter would never be a weapon to be used against each other. I also know that a happy Mum means a happy home life for my daughter so my job is to help Mum when I can, if I don’t then I’d be letting my daughter down and that’s not acceptable. When children are involved it’s up to us as adults to set an example, do you want your children to see anger and frustration as the norm or two adults who can communicate effectively and respectfully? Luckily for me my ex-wife is an awesome Mum and she’s doing a fantastic job, we have both made mistakes along the way but with a lot of love for our daughter we’ve made it work.
Lorie Shewbridge 3 years ago
I always tried to be that way while my boys were growing up even though their dad wasn't, they learned to know the difference as they grew.
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
Indeed. I make sure that my kid doesn't see the nastiness between her mom and I. But she does see that we're still friends. I help her pick out gifts for her mom, and I even help her mom directly when I don't stand to gain anything. Because that's what our daughter needs to see.
#7
bluep3001 said:
President Zelenskyy…
Heavy_Mycologist_104 replied:
Abso-[friggin]-lutely, THIS. Zelenskiy is a true hero, forced in impossible situations to step up and show incredible bravery and humanity.
Scagsy 3 years ago
If his comedy was as good as his leadership, I am fairly sure that I would be in uncontrollable hysterics after the first joke. This is what a legend looks like.
Zero 3 years ago
Conflict made him shine but he wasn't always the hero. When he was elected, one of the first things he did was basically eliminate and crack down on free speech with brutality. Granted the election choice was between meh and bad, but before the conflict he was not a good leader. But his strong actions are also what made him so great in the current c**p. Hope he's able to keep being a standup guy after it's over and doesn't revert back to what he was.
BasedWang12 3 years ago
alotta people fail to realize this and other prior things, so thank you for this. Not saying he shouldn't be looked at in a good light and not saying it isn't terrible whats happening in his country, but most people I see are just fair weather fans and bandwagon jumpers
Load More Replies... 
SelkieBlackfysh 3 years ago
If only our (American) leaders followed this suit. To this day anyone I ask is very confident if Ukraine was America coming under attack with the American leadership, that they would have been in a helicopter and then a bunker before the first shots were fired. This is the prime example of those who make the best leaders never asking for it. These are the kinds of humans you want to look for when you need leaders.
Emily Mulheran 3 years ago (edited)
This is what defending freedom and self-determination looks like…Zelenskyy is not a talking head trussed up in a suit and tie, depending on press secretaries to speak for him and craft speeches full of double-speak for him to recite. Zelenskyy acts on his word and stands with and for his people first, not above them! He is a real leader, not a puppet dancing a fine line between partisan politics like most other heads of state who claim to cherish freedom. Zelenskyy does NOT send others to fight and die while he hides in a bunker somewhere. Zelenskyy is a true hero, a true leader who stands WITH his people and fights with them rather than hiding in a palace, cowering.
#8
I’m a figure skater. We share the ice with hockey players, and I cannot get over how nice it feels when hockey players get rowdy and bang on the glass and cheer when you’re doing something cool, the same way a hockey fan would at an exciting hockey game. It’s hilarious but it’s also confidence inducing.
When it first happened, I thought they were trolling me. I just rolled my eyes and continued my practice.
But when I got off the ice, I was swarmed with questions like:
“HOW DO YOU DO ALL THAT WITHOUT PADDING OR A HELMET?!”
“HOW DO YOU LAUNCH YOURSELF INTO THE AIR LIKE THAT?”
“AREN’T YOU AFRAID OF FALLING?”
“DON’T YOU GET DIZZY SPINNING THAT FAST?”
It’s wholesome as f**k. They’re genuinely intrigued by this sport. A bunch of dudes who make their own sport even more entertaining by beating the s**t out of each other have no shame in getting rowdy to hype up their figure skating counterparts.
EDIT: Thank you guys for the awards!! I love sharing these types of wholesome experiences with anyone who will listen!
Sasha 3 years ago
Figure skaters in general are in the same category as ballet dancers for me. That is, f*****g unreal. There are lots of demanding and difficult jobs out there, but i can imagine how people do them. I look at ballet dancers and go "nope. How the hell does anyone do that". The physical and mental stress on these people is just unreal. The fact that they have a limited time while they are young to have the "best" part of their career, and the clock us ticking, the nonstop training and the discipline required, the heavy competition. And on top of that, for the guys, society ignoring that its a lifestyle that would leave most people a sobbing pile on the floor and perceiving it as emasculating just because theyre wearing leggings while doing some of the most physically demanding tasks you can ask of your body.
Cat Palmer 3 years ago
Agreed. I think most people now accept gymnasts are serious athletes doing amazing things. Ice skating is doing gymnastics while balancing on two thin bits of metal and doing interpretive dance at the same time. Unbelievable skill involved.
Load More Replies...
MimSorensson 3 years ago
I tend to watch figure skating for approximately four second before my brain voices a protest: “this isn’t sport, this is sorcery. What I just saw HAS to break the rules of physics”. It’s out of this world kind of impressing.
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
Y'all share a love of the ice. Beyond that, its just details. Which is how the world should be. Focus on whats the same, not on whats different.
Not Telling 3 years ago
Lol, wish it was like this at my own rink. Us figure skaters and the hockey players have massive grudges against each other. I still remember when I was doing a spin and a hockey player crashed into me, and glared like it was MY fault. Dude, you nearly got disemboweled, I could have broken something; watch your surroundings, I can't move out of the way when I'm spinning, plus you're on the ice during the figure skating time block, you shouldn't have even been on. God, I'm still mad.
BasedWang12 3 years ago
I woulda thought this would be against the rules because figure skating is always like shown to be sooooo elegant, and everything so perfect. I woulda thought Id get kicked out
Birma Gustafsson 3 years ago
Dancing, maybe while lifting a woman, a whole evening and looking good all the time - ballet dancers are athletes on the highest level!
#9
Not sure if this counts… but my step dad would still come pick up my sister and I every single weekend even though we weren’t really his kids. Growing up my mom and him would break up sometimes and he said to us one day; I may not be y’all’s biological father but I will always be y’all’s dad regardless. They eventually married and are 30+ years strong today. He’s the best man I know.
Bexx 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 3 years ago (edited)
I have a few too many father figures but only one that I call Stepdad. My stepdad came into my life when I was 8, divorced my mum when I was 13. I’m 30 now. He’s remarried and lives thousands of KM away. He still sends me birthday and Christmas cards. Always says happy birthday to me on Facebook even though I removed my birthday - he must have it written on a calendar or something. I always remember that his birthday is November 16, the day the first Harry Potter movie was released in Canada, because I loved Harry Potter at that time :) it’s been years since he’s been in my life but he never forgets me. I’m thinking of making him a little card or keepsake just to say thank you. I’ve never forgotten him either 🧡 it was only a few years but it meant a lot, thanks Dave 🧡
Load More Replies... Jackie Nettleton 3 years ago
My brother has been in a newish relationship (18 months or so) and they both brought children with them and his partners little boy calls my brother daddy and his bio father daddy with his name and that started about 6/7 months in and was his choice a step parent can be the biggest blessing to a child with a bad parent of either gender
Pheebs 3 years ago
When my mom and I first moved in with my stepdad, I had only met him twice. Yet he still drove me 30 miles every day, and picked ,up most days, so I could finish my last month of school in the town we previously lived in. He started calling my bro and I “his kids” almost right away - we were 10 and 12, and not the friendliest of kids due to another terrible step parent and an abusive ex almost-step. He respected us and my bio dad, and was very much my 2nd dad.
Jayne Kyra 3 years ago
If by any miracle I ever get married and decide to do the whole 'give away the bride' thing, it won´t be bio dad walking me down the aisle. It will be my mum´s amazing boyfriend. Granted, world peace is more likely than me getting married.
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
I hope that ny wife remains strong in my daughter life, if I should be removed from the equation. And I hope my ex would allow it. I put it in my will, but its not really enforceable.
deanna woods 3 years ago
My dad has done this on multiple times. When my grandmother had a stroke that caused her to not be able to speak, my mom took in my aunt, her sister, and raised her. My dad treated my aunt with the same love that he gave me and my sister.
#10
willowgardener said:
I once watched a couple episodes of the reality show Forged in Fire, which I felt had tons of examples of healthy masculinity.
mbensasi replied:
Yep, I remember seeing an episode where a big, older, more experienced guy saw his opponent struggling to twist some metal because he wasn’t heavy enough to apply the necessary force. Big guy stopped his own work just to help little guy. Ended up being eliminated because he didn’t have time to finish his own blade. Wasn’t upset or anything, just congratulated the little guy and walked out. With $10,000 on the line, it takes true integrity and positive masculinity to do something like that for a fellow craftsman.
Sasha 3 years ago (edited)
Blacksmiths are like the ur examples of proper men. The kind of people for some reason, that just are beyond giving a f**k about appearances or what society thinks is manly. I watch a channel of a guy that makes Damascus knives. Every vid of his has an interlude while the knives anneal, where he get one of his pretty teapots in the forge and makes some flowery tea. Then goes back to making knives. There are moments when this makes me remember orange county choppers, and realize how silly all that b******t is. Ironically it seems that its extra easy to take a man in a pink tutu seriously, because its obvious that he couldn't give 2 shits what anyone thinks he should act like, and thats a lot more masculine, that the kind of person whos too fragile to use a bath bomb unless its shaped like a grenade. Most "manly" things actually end up just screaming "IM INSECURE". Its gonna sound funny, but some of the people i have found most manly, were flamboyant homosexuals. Confidence man.
Dariusz Wiśniewski 3 years ago
being confident and not givin a f*k.he wants his herbal tea,he drinks it.that simple
Load More Replies...
Tracy Wallick 3 years ago
This is also how I feel about the metal band Bloodywood. The band itself is extremely wholesome, and their music is a refreshing departure from a lot of tough-guy posturing I've encountered in a lot of music; singing about men doing something about men who sexually assault women, mental illness, bullying, grief, etc.
Jackie Nettleton 3 years ago
This entire show is brilliant in the way the guys and sometimes women that show such a level of respect and kindness towards each other ever when one person loses they walk out with pride knowing that they did their best and treated everyone around them with high levels of respect. I’m not a guy that normally watches this sort of program as I’m not into out door physically demanding things I’m a baker, gamer and reader. but this is different than the other similar programs that are more interested in the drama between contestants than the actual content you are watching it for like master chef or gold hunters
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
Definitely. Blacksmiths, leatherworkers, bikers, etc. Those big, burly men are usually the most polite and kind. I've seen a 350lb biker covered in tattoos with a do rag and handlebar mustache sit down to tea with a 5 year old fairy princess. I've seen a blacksmith get berated for doing "girly" things, and you expect a punch to be thrown. Instead, he just turned, smiled, and said "I found my joy in this steal. I want to help these kids find theirs."
marianne eliza 3 years ago
Wesley Crusher did the same thing for a fellow Star Fleet Academy hopeful during the entrance exams. Hmmm...
Storm Rise 3 years ago
Totally agree. I love this show. A ton of comraderie despite it being a competition and many instances of help or addvice being offered between competitors. Stellar!
Saint Thomas 3 years ago (edited)
All those shows are totally scripted though... but yeah, beter a positive script than an assh***lish one :-)
Zero 3 years ago
Some of them are pure script, some aren't. It especially happens with the ones that have drama between contestants. Ones like Forged in Fire are much less so. Had a friend compete on there (made it through round 2 but don't remember how much further) and she said it was pretty much how you saw it. They cut out a lot of superfluous stuff but for the most part what you see is what legit happened. The home repair shows and anything centered around interactions between people though... yeah.
Load More Replies... The Q 3 years ago
The show is boring. There are a lot of things that can be forged. All they make are knives.
Pee Pee Sprinkles 3 years ago (edited)
Yeah, it's about making weapons, dipshit. That's the point of the show.
Load More Replies... #11
My brother would sing quietly to our mother in the nursing home when she no longer knew him because of dementia. He would brush her hair and wipe her face with a warm flannel to comfort her. It was beautiful
#12
marcus_borealis said:
Manly dads who patiently sit on the floor and have a tea party with their toddler daughters.
Bells87 replied:
When I was about 11, I got the game Dreamphone for Christmas. For those who don't know, the premise of Dreamphone is to "call" "boys" to find out which one has a crush on you. Perfect game for preteen girls. I was so excited and asked my mom to play with me, since it's Christmas and my friends can't come over. She said no. But my dad said he'd play with me.
My dad was a burley truck driver who loved Philadelphia sports, had a woodworking bench in the basement, and was definitely a meat and potatoes kind of guy. He also had 9 sisters, the majority of which were younger than him.
He was more than happy to play with me.
He'd also play Pretty, Pretty Princess with me when I was a kid too.
GoodWolf 3 years ago
My SO, a tall, bearded, tattooed truck driver, is currently chasing our daughter across the garden. They're both giggling so much, one of them is going to pee their pants any minute
Jackie Nettleton 3 years ago
It’s like the idea that if a little toddler hands you a toy phone you damned well better answer it like it’s a real phone or you loose a lot of respect
Jef Bateman 3 years ago
There are also dads who sit down and have a tea party with their sons.
Erin Eubanks 3 years ago
I never had sister, and didn't have any daughters. I played Pretty Pretty Princess once with a friend's daughter. OMG, I loved it!
Alyssa Stehle 3 years ago
My dad watched aaaaaaall of my Sailor Moon VHS tapes with me. The Dic ones with Pink and Glitter on the box! His favorite scout was Sailor Jupiter!
Remus/Lemon 3 years ago
Who's your fave? its hard for me to choose, but I'd say Sailor Moon is my favorite :)
Load More Replies...
Anne McKinney 3 years ago
Also in this category are men who let little girls do make-up on them or do their hair. At my granddaughters sixth birthday party my son had 8 six-year olds doing his make-up all at once. I was never more proud of him.
#13
So, a couple months into dating my boyfriend he bought a truck. Well, it started making a grinding noise a few weeks later. Some context, I'm a female mechanic. So, when I went over that weekend I offered to take a look at it.
We did some grocery shopping for supper. And then when we got back I started to work on it. He made supper. And then when he was done he came out and sat with me.
My ex wouldn't even let me work on his truck with him because he didn't like that I knew more about it then him. And when I first met my Bf he told everyone we met that I was a mechanic.
Sasha 3 years ago (edited)
Contrary to popular belief, there is no gene that men have that makes them inherently better at wielding a screwdriver. People have different talent and skillsets. Makes us good at different things. All people generally have some capability for doing all things humans can do. Sexual dimorphism isnt so extreme that women cant hang a shelf, or ride on a train (victorian joke, there was victorian worry that if women were to ride trains, the speed would make there uterus fall out).
Luna 3 years ago (edited)
Imagine just- riding on a train- and your uterus just flies out! I can’t get over how funny this is to me
Load More Replies... Scagsy 3 years ago
I helped my wife hang a pretty heavy garden gate last week. It was her first time with a drill and I won't say she nailed it because that's counterintuitive but she certainly did a fine job. She now refers to it as 'her' drill. I don't mean to moan about the economy but something's not right if I'm losing jobs in my own home.
Chikin Nippls710 3 years ago
I am a mostly female presenting non-binary mechanic! When my partner (a cis-het male) discovered about 7 years ago that I knew more about mechanics than he did, he started out with the traditional toxic "you belong in the kitchen, not under a car." That stopped real quick when he needed a valve cover gasket and fuel pressure sensor replaced. Glad to say I was able to change one man's perspective.
Bexx 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 3 years ago (edited)
Haha I work at a dealership and told a guy I was dating that his wheel bearing was f****d, could have saved him $100. Didnt believe me. Guess who tried to sneak their truck into my shop without my knowledge? Guess what the issue was? Guess who didn’t save $100? Yeah girls are so dumb eh, just can’t problem solve like males can 🙄 out shop foreman and best tech are both women and they both get a lot of s**t for it, we figure if we dress them up in moustaches every day them ohhh get treated better cause they do the best work
Patti Vance 3 years ago
when i was a single mom i needed to make a decent living so i managed to get hired onto a roofing crew. at the time, the early 80s, work like this paid better than an office job. and, no, the guys were not happy and i took a lot of c**p for a while. eventually, things got calmer and while they never made things easy for me they stopped making things harder. eventually, decided i needed to go back to college for more secure job. they were very excited when i told them i would be quitting. but, the day i left they gave me a t shirt with the caption: "it's a man's world and a woman's place is in the home...and they can kiss that s**t goodbye" with a cartoon of a woman leaving home for work while the man had the baby in his arms. i still have that t shirt. buggers made me cry when they gave it to me.
Francisco Manuel Teruel Gutiérrez 3 years ago
I don't drive, I have no idea about cars, our car is 100% supervised by my wife.
Gavin Johnson 3 years ago
I worked in a racing team, Formula Ford, I was very much the junior in the team, we had three super knowledgeable mechanics who knew every bolt, every weld, every bit of gadgetry that made it tick, I learnt a huge amount from them all, they were two men and a woman, no one in the team acknowledged the sexes of the mechanics, we had jobs, we did them. It was only when others in the paddock would mention it that we closed ranks, every member of the team brought something unique, we were a team, her sex was irrelevant, her skills were and she had plenty of skills, I’d trust her every day of the week to turn out a safe, fast car. If you know your nuts and bolts then you’ll do for me.
SelkieBlackfysh 3 years ago
This is a lot like my relationship. We don't really abide any gender roles or expectations. For her though it's yard works mowing, yanking weeds. So many times I've told her we'll do it this weekend and wake up that afternoon (I work third shift) only to find she's taken care of it all without me. Part of me is mad she did it without me. We were supposed to do it as a team! Then the other half of me realizes how lucky I am to have someone like her as my partner.
Jonathan Panda 3 years ago
I knew someone who was afraid of hammers and screwdrivers because he was inept mechanically. He was a full Colonel in the USAF. His teenage daughter bought an old VW convertible and fixed it up.
Nolgoth 3 years ago
I would be more than happy to date a girl that knew how to work on cars. Especially the mechanical stuff. I am a computer guy and can do the electronics but anything going on with the engine and whatnot i take my car to the mechanic. I also prefer not to get dirty/greasy/etc. People have skills where they are better at things than others and anyone that resents a woman that knows more about "manly" things than them are just insecure lil boys.
#14
DEFINITELY_NOT_PETE said:
Gym bros randomly appearing to spot or encourage is hilarious and positive.
StinkyStangler replied:
I remember when I was a little younger, like 19 or so, I had just started going to the gym frequently and was trying to start deadlifts. I obviously had no idea what I was doing and felt mad self conscious, but some random huge dude came up to me, gave me help with my form and technique, and then just wandered off. That always stood out to me and really helped me get more comfortable in the gym.
BasedWang12 3 years ago
There are a buncha gym rats Ive seen do this. "Don't hurtchur back bro!"
Jayne Kyra 3 years ago
Meanwhile I got told by a lovely lady that "this gym is for good-looking people, not fat cows like you" when I tried to improve my health/weight. Now I am overweight and terrified of joining a gym.
Davo gifman 3 years ago
My guess is; is just there for looks. Research an find a real gym. An I'm almost certain that girls, and guys are there for the love of working out. An not there to belittle others. Also try working out at home some first; just to get the feel of weights. Not so you'll work out at home. You are a great person, and no one should ever hinder you trying to accomplish goals. An real bodybuilders will not hinder. Only help.
Load More Replies...
Eryn Kaeberle 3 years ago
I saw a creep gym rat harassing a girl once, she was much younger and clearly uncomfortable. I was headed across the gym to to her when this big heavy lifter guy stepped in and chewed the creep out hard. He was loud enough about it that it drew the attention of a couple of the trainers. They came over and, once they had the full story, kicked the creep out and banned him from ever coming back.
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
I started going to lose weight. Had someone approach me while I was on the treadmill. He asks what my goal is and offers to help train me for free. Turns out, he was a strongman. His family, like mine, had trouble losing fat. So instead, he started packing muscle under the fat. I told him I was asthmatic and might have trouble. He laughed and said "I am too. Thats why we don't breathe. We just lift!" As a joke of course, but still. It was heartwarming.
James Tartaglione 3 years ago
see this happen alot at the gym. folks really do band together and root for each other to do well at the gym
ᔑᓵᒷ 𝙹⎓ ᓭ!¡ᔑ↸ᒷᓭ 3 years ago
uh... so they try to strike up a friendly conversation, and you just insult them?
Load More Replies... #15
My bros and friends are all hood but we've got into the habit of saying "love you" whenever we leave. We've lost so many friends and family the last few years (not due to covid).
Cat Palmer 3 years ago
When we were teenagers my sister and I made a pact to never say "I love you" to each other as it was sappy and stupid and we weren't those kind of girls. I'm pleased to say we soon grew out of that and the last thing I said to my sister before she died was "I love you. See you soon."
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
When I was growing up, my best friend and I were riding bikes through a gang area (we didn't know). We ended up getting caught in the crossfire. I managed to not get hit, but he was shot twice in the chest. Both gangs called a cease fire when they saw us. Both came out to apologize. He ended up dying in my arms. Its been a while, but last I heard, both sides found a way to get along, and to help the next generation be better. So, hopefully some good comes from losing him.
Emily Mulheran 3 years ago
This comes somewhat easier for women (see most of the comments below), so it does more than warm my heart to find men who allow themselves (rather than society) to tell them what they can or cannot express as men. Love always triumphs! Good on you and all of your friends who learned to say “I love you” to your male friends and family before they’re gone.
Me Myself And I 3 years ago (edited)
That's a great habit. I can't remember if my parents ever said "I love you" to one of us kids. I'm sure they do, but they never talked about it. At a point in my (girl) Teenage days I thought my friends used I love "boy" far too much. I use I like you a lot, my BF answers whatever I use to not make me uncomfortable. I really have difficulties telling my own kids "I love you" I'm working at it it, but it's so difficult!! My BF has no such problems. I like what you're doing!
#16
My husband and his best friend calling each other up to talk about their mental health struggles and support each other through tough times.
Immortal Emperor Paradox 3 years ago
On the other hand my relatives: "Depression does not exist."
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
My best friend and I. And his fiance and my wife both appreciate it. There are somethings that are too... embarrassing to share with those we view as dependent on us. Its a small voice in the back of ours heads that "if she finds out you're not as strong emotionally as she thinks, she'll leave" and we hate it. But the voice is still there.
#17
bobot_ said:
My husband is my biggest supporter when it comes to my career. He's like my hype man when I'm doubting myself. I value it so much. (Side note: I earn more and if anything, it just makes him prouder).
saint_of_thieves replied:
Guy here. When I got married, my dad gave me a piece of advice. He said to help each other achieve the other person's dreams. If you don't, you're just two people living in the same house.
Kate Jones 3 years ago
It's like chris rock says, "sometimes you're the lead singer. And sometimes you need to play tambourine. If it's your time to play tambourine then play the s**t out of it! Don't half-a*s it. You're in the same band so her success is your success and your success is her success. Stop competing."
Bexx 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 3 years ago
Men who feel the need to earn more than their wife: why? Seriously, why? Think about that answer for a while and what it means.
Immortal Emperor Paradox 3 years ago
Maybe because a part of them that feels insecure? This applies to everyone: When things go wrong, you can only trust your own strength, and money is one of them.
Load More Replies...
Amanda Hunter 3 years ago
It takes a real man to be supportive, especially if she earns more or has a dangerous job.
#18
Physical-Primary-256 said:
A single dad started teaching other dads how to do their daughters hair.
StinkApprentice replied:
A local girl scout troop did their Silver Award project called "Daddy Doo's" and taught fathers how to do their younger daughters hair. And had gift packs for the girls. It ran the gammut of giant meatheads, tiny skinny guys, and everyone in between. They ended up adding two more sessions because it became so popular.
Mickard 3 years ago
When my daughter was in grade school (I believe first grade) I did her hair for school picture day. I was raised in the late 70's/early 80's with the understanding that if hair needs help, AquaNet. I'm still catching hell from her for that photo (and she is now 33)
Christina F 3 years ago
💖 love this! Aquanet to ensure the hair will not move for the pictures ooorrr the next few days 🤣
Load More Replies... Elenyn 3 years ago
I loved when my Dad brushed my hair and put it into a ponytail. He was always more sensible than my mother. He was a construction worker with really hard hands, but he did my hair so softly
Lillukka79 3 years ago (edited)
Same for me, dad wqs the more gentle one brushing and brading my hair.
Load More Replies... 
#19
anonymous said:
A guy standing up for his friend or a woman he doesn't know against a bully/creeper.
kyledouglas521 replied:
There's a related one here that I think needs to be heard more: standing up *TO* your guy friends when they're being creepers. Or just being [bad] to/about women.
As someone close to them, you have the biggest chance to make an impact on their behavior. Letting misogynist [things] go or laughing it off because that's just how guys are is implicit confirmation to them that this thing they said/did is okay.
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
My wife and I were doing some shopping a while ago. I saw a younger woman (probably early 20s) being followed by a creepy looking guy. Niw mind you, I'm not really a looker. I'm fat, average face and boring personality. But I walked up to her and quietly told her "that guy is following you. Know him?" She glanced back and said "nope". So I offered my hand and we started laughing. Walked right back towards him to "look" at something on a shelf (to cover her glance back). All the while,, my wife went to inform management. After he left, she thanked me and my wife said she was proud that her husband would go out of his way to help someone. And now, she and her fiance our good friends of ours.
Amanda Hunter 3 years ago
Yes, Please help if you see someone who may about to be victimized, they'll remember you forever.
#20
ral365 said:
A father being a good example for his son.
magnusbearson replied:
Growing up poor, having a father who dedicated his time for me and my brothers meant the world. Has given me emotional tools I observe lacking in many of my friends. So I sometimes take that role with them, having the hard talks and explaining in depth the nuances of life.
Pernille Dyre 3 years ago
My father... and we are two daughters... we know sports, democracy, our homework etc. We lived a childhood with parents that were there for us with room, presence, space, education, ambition and a lot of fun...
deanna woods 3 years ago
This is why I believe I am single. My dad has spoiled my sister and I by showing us what a good man is supposed to be.
#21
anonymous said:
A father not shaming their sons for crying.
zoidberg005 replied:
When I see a man who is able to cry, I see a powerful strong person who knows how to deal with their emotions in a healthy way. This is what I want for my son. This is something I do not have myself.
Rick Seiden 3 years ago
I can't cry because of the societal perception that boys shouldn't cry. I wish I could, but I can't get do it. So I made sure to tell my son that it's OK to cry. Crying is normal. Crying is a relief. Crying helps your body deal with pent up emotions that are too much. Crying helps you feel better. I told him I wish I could cry, because I do. I wish I could lay down in bed some nights and cry the day away. It would make life so much better. I don't know if he does or doesn't cry, but I really tried my best to tell him it was OK if he needed to.
Suzanne Haigh 3 years ago
I do not cry openly because although female it was not accepted when I was young and I would be shown how ashamed my mother was of me for doing it.
Cousin Jake 3 years ago
I wish I could cry. I need to cry so bad the last few days that it hurts, but I can't cause years of telling me not to, I don't know how.
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
I have an issue crying because of my ADHD. I become aware of it, and it stops. But there have been a few times when I broke down in my truck (after my grandma passed away, after my wife and I lost our daughter, etc). And each time I was approached by women. While I was expecting to be teased and made fun of, they each offered a hug and a shoulder to cry on. Which helped so much.
deanna woods 3 years ago
This describes my dad and my uncle. They have both been able to cry in front of me without feeling judgment.
Justin M 3 years ago
My son sometimes cries when he gets really frustrated or embarrassed about messing up in front of people. He typically hold it in until he's with just his mom or I. When it's me I always go out of my way to tell him "it's ok to feel sad, it's ok to feel (other possible emotion) and it's ok to cry. I'm here when you're ready to talk." It used to be really hard to pull him out of those tail spins but this tactic has really helped. Sometimes he wants to talk, someone he just wants to finish crying and go play. Either way is fine. I was very much raised with the "stop crying... There's nothing to cry about..." mantra, which I feel like was the half step between "boys don't cry" and where we are today. It wasn't gendered, even if it was applied in a gender specific way.
#22
The Brown-Stigler Incident. A German Bf-109 pilot (Stigler) not only spared a crippled American B-17 (Brown), he escorted it out of German airspace. Botb men survived the war and became close friends until their deaths.
LuckyL 3 years ago
Just reminded me of my German Granddad and his American friend Jim - they met in a hospital in Germany during the war and became friends. My Grandpa gave him a German Uniform, told him not to speak and they went to drink a beer. Jim told him, that Germany has basically lost the war, and that my Grandpa should get his family and move out of east Germany as soon as he's home. Which he did, they moved to Bremerhafen where he met my Grandma. They stayed in contact until my Grandpa died, but I don't think they've met again.
Marten Zabel 3 years ago
Not really a similar story but I want to tell it anyways: My grandfather was a youth in Nazi Germany (in the East, what is now Poland) and at the village smithy he was an apprentice at, there was a POW from Britain who hadn't made it out of Dunkirk as a forced labourer. My grandfather was around 14 at the time, the POW named Edward was aged 19 and became his first role model. He had come from one of the British industrial towns and was a flaming socialist who told my grandfather "we're not enemies. The bosses up on top are. They are getting rich of this war while we murder each other in the dirt." This left an impression on my grandfather and became his political view til his death two years ago.
Load More Replies... Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
I used to work security at a lodge near a national park. One day I had 2 Vietnam vets in, and I thanked them for their service. They asked if I served. I explained that I was denied, but my grandfather did as a helicopter pilot. They asked what division (screaming eagles). They asked his name. When I told them, they both started crying and explained that he was the one who came in under heavy fire, ignoring orders to wait, and loaded them up and hauled them out. If not for my grandpa, neither one would've been there. They gave me their battalion patches, thanked me for my service (keeping the "homefront" safe), and went about their way. About 6 months later, I got a called from one of their daughters. Her dad passed away, but he invited me and my grandpa to his funeral. We both went. It was touching. And for the first time I ever remember, I saw my grandpa cry.
kathryn stretton 3 years ago
I agree. It's a shame because it detracts from an uplifting story.
Load More Replies... Jonathan Panda 3 years ago
Agreed. This man realized the courage of his adversary and honored that...regardless of where the lines were drawn. I tear up every time I am reminded of this event.
Phoenix CP 3 years ago
reminds me of something i read on tumblr once, about a grandfather who was an american veteran and fought in the korean war i think it was. whenever he saw a korean vet, he paid them the same respect he'd give to an american one.
Eryn Kaeberle 3 years ago
Check out the video on YouTube for No Bullets Fly by Sabaton. It's about this incident and it's really cool.
Chrissy Dee 3 years ago
There is a phenomenal book about this incident- A Higher Call by Adam Mako and Larry Alexander. I highly recommend it!
Amanda Hunter 3 years ago
A true hero. He was probably forced into the military and didn't agree with it.
#23
Absolutely any time dads do fun things with their daughters and don't care about how they look! Dads with makeup, coloured nails, and fun hairstyles make my heart melt.
Susie Elle 3 years ago
Semi-unrelated story: in my country there's a national charity event in the weeks before christmas called The Glass House where DJ's will lock themselves in to raise money for varying charities. You can visit the Glass House and watch the DJ's at work. In 2016 it was the Red Cross and this six year old boy came to the House with his father. The boy had untreatable brainstem cancer and he wanted to paint people's nails to raise money for The Red Cross. They had the idea of raising around 100 euros, if they were lucky. It got so much attention he ended up painting hundreds of nails, on men, women and children, and collected over 2.5 million euros. The boy, Tijn, passed away half a year later.
Candy_Sneke! 3 years ago
That's awesome, but also really sad. I'm glad the kid got way over his goal
Load More Replies...
Gavin Johnson 3 years ago
Single Dad with a daughter. I’ve learnt a lot! I grew up with a brother so my experience of braiding, platting, painting nails, etc is limited. My daughter has painted me with glitter make up, braided my beard, I’ve platted hair, badly at first, got critiqued by a 7 year old on my abilities with hair ties. She’s now 11 and we still enjoy sharing those moments, why wouldn’t we? PS last week I took her to her first motorsport event and now she wants to drive in a demolition derby, who says we should have roles that are defined by our sex?
TrixicBird(Any pronouns) 3 years ago
I knew a guy who was big and burly and taught jiujitsu and I attended his classes for a while myself. Very strong guy and about once a month he would come in with painted nails and show them off to the other instructors and brag about how his daughter painted them. Absolute chad.
Donna Lambert 3 years ago
I was a surprise for my folks... My siblings are 6, 8 and 10 years older than me! A pretty good age gap! Plus my Dad worked out of town 6 days a week (home each night) so having a connection with him was difficult! We started doing a Saturday night walk. We would walk over town to the "dime store" and browse. But it was OUR uninterrupted time. That's important to younger ones in the family! Otherwise you get overlooked. Spend one on one time with all your kids and especially your youngest ones!
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
My daughter and I go out on daddy-daughter dates. And while we occasionally get weird looks, most often its just "awe, how sweet! I wish my dad did things like that with me when I was young!"
Storm Rise 3 years ago
My hubby and our daughter are really close. When she was little, and I was at the dance studio on Friday nights, they had Dad/ Daughter night at the local Sishi Train that went on for years. Now my daughter is 23 and out of home, but comes over to dinner every Monday, and she can STILL paint his nails, which he will happily wear, until it wears off LOL! I love those two :-)
Phoenix CP 3 years ago
im a trans guy, so for about 13 years i lived as a girl and only came out recently. as a kid my dad would always spend time with me whenever he could. i dont really remember it but supposedly when i was really little i got to paint his nails. he wouldn't really play with my barbies but that's probably good since i basically acted out wars lmao. (no one actually plays w barbies the way the commercials show I'm convinced) but he'd play video games with me and he used to play wrestle with me and my brother. he didn't really do "girly" stuff with me, but I didn't really do that anyway. my mom always said i was definitely a girly girl but imo i think i was mostly a tomboy lol. (but now as a trans guy I've realized i just like most things, from hot wheels to barbies lmao) even today he usually plays video games with us and we have joking arguments ("you wanna go old man?!" "ill knock ya out you little bugger!" but ofc not seriously)
#24
Guys who just adore their partners. I was washing dishes the other day and I asked him to dry the ones on the rack so I could do more and his friends started teasing him he said "you're just jealous I have something you don't, they are just so f*****g incredible dude you have no idea" I teared up a little bit not gonna lie
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
Me and my best friend. I behave the same way, regardless of whether I'm with my wife, or all of us together. Same for him, per his fiance. Doesnt matter who is around, I still hold and love up on my wife the same. My wife doesn't always appreciate it (I'm far more openly affectionate than she is. She was raised in a very conservative household). But she says she appreciates that I want to show my love off.
#25
My big brother was tough on me growing up as many big brothers are. People without brothers would call it toxic and maybe it was. But my brother was there for me through my hardest moments and he’s there for me during my best.
He works at a large company and got me an internship when I was in college. I was nervous and the culture at the company was aggressive. My brother would take me into meeting rooms and give me hype talks on a frequent basis, we thought we were “big men”.
At the end of my internship, I was asked to give a presentation infront of around 50 people (senior leadership) on my work during the summer. I prepared a presentation but was horrified. An hour before my presentation, he pulled me into a meeting room and had me present to him. At the end, he said you’re going to kill it. He then handed me a gift which had a Mont Blanc pen inside of it with a note and told me to hold it during my presentation. We both cried and hugged.
This meeting room was an all glass room. Lol.
Side note: many years later I am still working (full-time) at this same company.
no thoughts, just frog 3 years ago
I don't have good brother like this, I wish I did. My brother is unsupportive of me because I'm LGBTQ+.
Chewie Baron 3 years ago
I support you! I’m gay and I’ll be your gay brother!
Load More Replies...
Pheebs 3 years ago
My bro says he’s allowed to give me a hard time because it’s his right as my brother, but god forbid anyone else try in his presence. He used to go off on his friends who picked on me for being chubby/awkward/dorky. Even in our toughest years hen we didn’t like each other much, he would would still get in anyone’s face if they disrespected me.
#26
Using pickup trucks to help others out,
Need help moving? In the Ditch? Stuck in the snow?
Gimme 5 mins to throw some pants on and I'm there
Wheeskers 3 years ago
That's my hub. During the freeze last year, we had no water for about 5 days. He went out every morning and brought 2, 3 big buckets of water from one neighbors pool to all 10 houses in our cul-de-sac. If he can help, he will. Sometimes to the point I have to say stop already! He is 67 after all.
Katy McMouse 3 years ago
That's exceedingly sweet and wonderful, especially since you have to reign him in because he can't stop himself. What a mensch!
Load More Replies... Ohhhdear 3 years ago
I’d slid into a snowbank just after Christmas on an expressway cloverleaf exit and was well and truly stuck. Two little kids in the back seat, an older car with bad tires and a folding camp shovel in the trunk. So I got out and was pathetically trying to remove the packed snow from the wheel wells when a big guy with an even bigger truck pulled beside me. His 4x4 had a snowblade in the front and a chain system on the back. Had me hauled out in less time than it takes to type this. I tried to pay him but he said this is how his wife lets him justify his pickup rig. He goes out after big storms and hauls cars out of snowbanks because AAA is too busy to help. An angel of a man!
hyj (she, her) 3 years ago
I remember when I was still a new driver I got stuck in the snow and didn't have the first idea how to get out. An old farmer came along with his truck and pulled me out. He said he likes to drive the back roads during snowstorms in case anyone needs help. What a good man.
Evelyn Ann 3 years ago
Im a small woman who drives a lifted f150 and you bet your a*s I'll push or pull you out of a ditch or a snowbank. Moving? Ehhhhh. I'll trade vehicles with you for the day. I bought it simply because i love it and have a very short commute but the ability to bring home my own freezer and tv were definitely on my mind.
Cousin Jake 3 years ago
I got rid of my truck cause of nonsense. Just because I have a truck doesmt mean im exist to help people move. It was super disrespectful to me and my time that everybody just thought cause I bought a truck I had some stupid man duty to got tote everybody's c**p. Nope. No thanks.
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
I won't always help people move, considering I have a small truck. But she's got enough power to haul people out of ditches. I've stopped a few times to help people by the roadside. Jump? Done. Need fuel? Have my 3 gallon gas can. Need towed to a local mechanic? Hook up the chain, place the red flag, and let's go.
#27
Sometimes you see a guy just being and giving a off a "danger" vibe, then they get aware of your presence and their entire body language morphs into "I mean no harm" without acknowledging you otherwise.
Gabe Lumbus 3 years ago
I always try to be mindful of this. If I'm walking behind a woman I never walk directly behind them. I move to one side so she can easily see what I'm doing and slow my pace a bit so she can tell I'm not trying to keep up with her. Just a very small and simple example of this post.
Justin M 3 years ago
I do the same, if I'm closing the distance between a woman (especially if she has ear buds in) I usually start doing Duolingo or call and talk to my kids, something to make my presence known before I'm too close while also communicating that I'm a silly goober, not someone trying to hurt you. I've always wondered if other men do this and if women know what I'm doing.
Load More Replies... Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
I'm socially awkward, so I don't really have a shift in body language. But I make it blatantly obvious I have no interest in them. While I was at work years ago, I had a woman accuse me of stalking her. While I was stocking shelves. After 3 aisles, she went to get a manager. My defense when they came back? "You're not my type, cause you're not my wife". She looked horrified and insulted. Like, she thought she was SOO hot that "creep" not being interested in her was just so beyond comprehension.
Suzanne Haigh 3 years ago
Not just understanding though, they have to care that they are as well.
#28
xyanon36 said:
Uncle Iroh. Like literally everything he does.
PM_4_Gravy said:
I actually watched avatar for the first time last year, and while watching it I had recently learned of just how much I had hurt people I love and cared about in my life. It was near the middle to end of the series when my shame and disappointment in myself had really reached its climax where Iroh and Zuko really started to resonate with me. I was particularly tearful at their reunion, as I had seen mirrored what my actions had done to hurt people but they forgave me and gave me another chance anyways. I’m definitely not the greatest person but I’m working on it, and Iroh is someone I’ve been striving to become, and I really feel with Zuko’s journey of redemption and self discovery
kathryn stretton 3 years ago
Don't beat yourself up too much. You can't change the past. You can, however learn from your mistakes and be a better person in the future, which is what you are doing. That's what most of us have to do. If you ever bump into someone who you've hurt in the past, apolgise. Good luck to you.
Jackie Nettleton 3 years ago
I love Iroh as a great man and the way they wrote his character showed me that the writers knew what it means to be a good man and what it takes to be that sort of man everyday. I also want to mention that the writers made both Aang and Soka good boys that grew and changed into good men in a series with other characters that were very typical for toxic or lacking in some way, the fire lord, jett and even master Pakku are the best examples
Ecclissi D 3 years ago
Yeah, Avatar had a few strong points, and uncle Iron was definitely one of them ❤️
Cousin Jake 3 years ago
Hey I'm on a similar journey. We can grow up to be men like Uncle Iroh together
#29
Aragorn. He's strong and wise and totally capable but he doesn't go out of his way to make a point of it. He's a phenomenal leader, but he doesn't force everyone to follow him. He just steps up and takes care of things and takes care of people. He's not afraid to weep. He's not afraid to express his love for his beloved but also not afraid to express his love for his friends. He's well read, bilingual, tolerant of other cultures and people. He can sing and quote poetry. He's phenomenal with animals.
He's truly humble and knows who he is and what is important. He's going to help you feel safe, and also help you grow.
Plus he's handsome AF and badass, but those are just the cherry on top.
Tracy Wallick 3 years ago
Cinema Therapy did a whole episode on Aragorn talking about how he's like the most healthy version of masculinity ever
Chewie Baron 3 years ago
At the end when he turns to the Hobbits and says “You my friends, bow to no one” and everyone bows to the Hobbits. Always makes me tear up!
Jonathan Panda 3 years ago
"I am Aragorn son of Arathorn, and if by my life or by my death I can save you, I will."
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
I'd say especially Viggo's representation of aragorn. But there are also other actors who are prime candidates for healthy masculinity. Paul Walker, who spent his own money to provide much needed relief and aid for those in need after disasters. Keanu reeves, who makes a point of being just a normal dude, no matter how well known he is. And Ashton Kutcher, who gave up a multi million dollar career to fight against child trafficking.
Saint Thomas 3 years ago
He's also fictionnal... But yes, as fictionnal characters go, yes, he's a pretty good role model for men.
Marten Zabel 3 years ago
Also, he is experienced as f*. He is over 80 years old.
Load More Replies...
Zwiebel Suppe 3 years ago
Side note: Americans: Wow, he's bilingual, such an intellectual! - Most Europeans: Oh, he only speaks two languages, poor guy.
#30
I've always loved cooking. Not very good at it, but I keep trying to learn new things and experiment when I find the time. A friend knew about this (she and I organized a few food related events at this Uni we were working at and we had immense fun, even when certain dishes went wrong). So she gave me oven mitts on my birthday, and on the mitts there's this dude with 6 or 8 arms, all holding pans and ladles, wearing an apron that says "I'll feed all you m***********s". I love it so much that I've kept it all these years without using it once. And I'm going to keep it forever as a prized possession.
Katie Lutesinger 3 years ago
My dad makes a mean kangaroo roast with dried fruit! (Yeah, I'm from exactly where you think I'm from, and yes you can buy kangaroo meat at the supermarket here).
Candy_Sneke! 3 years ago
Interesting. I would like to try kangaroo meat. Is it yummy?
Load More Replies...
deanna woods 3 years ago
My dad cooked for us for most of my childhood. He made some good food and has been trying to pass that on to us.
Mtg Wolfie 3 years ago
I love cooking. When I have free reign to play around. My specialty is steak with fresh mashed potatoes and corn on the cob, followed by a cheesecake dessert. And yes, the cheesecake is a special family recipe for no bake. And I can flavor it however I want. I've done carrot cake, apple pie, pumpkin, German chocolate, etc.
Snowfoxrox 3 years ago
Lol, my ex was very particular on what he would and would not eat and had no clue how to cook any of it. My hubs now? He reminds me all the time that we can have a huge wide range of food and he has the ability to cook it all.
#31
Bros are often hella supportive to each other, its amazing. The amount of positivity I've seen flung around by blokes being blokes is unparalleled, be it compliments on your shirt, support that you got dis, or just generally indicators they're impressed. Just an hour ago, was walking around the house lightly underdressed (I have work in the morning and should be asleep), to say hi to a new roomie, who had come in with friends. Gave a quick apology about walking around in just raggedy shorts, and without a hint of hesitation got a "Nah bro, you're sexy af" from one of the friends (whom I had never seen before) to which the default response was "Cheers man" (with a finger gun and bad wink) "love the shirt". Long story short, the positivity, quickfire compliments and bro based flirts are automatic, and always leave me smiling.
#32
Sometimes when men hug while watching a game (or similar situations) and something good happens, I can't help but think it's adorable lol. I think it's because they're so genuinely happy.
CozyPanda 3 years ago
Huh...but I feel the stigma of males hugging may be a western thing because in arab countries and in places like India, Pakistan etc ppl all hug each other when they meet..arabs even do cheek kisses...not critising just observing..
Luis Rodriguez 3 years ago
It really is a Western thing. My family is real touchy-feely and we get some odd looks out in public when the men folk hug each other.
Load More Replies... #33
Positive_Oliver said:
Being able to move on from a fight and become friends again.
PathosRise replied:
I like this about my guy friends. Its definitely different than the "man up and get over it" thing. It's a 'relaxed and roll with it' approach which is something I always appreciate. Priortizes focus on the things that are important, you talk about it if you need too, and you let things be when they're done. Most of my friends that are girls do more processing to try got a mutual understanding which is fine too. Both are valid approaches imo.
#34
If you're talking about traditional masculinity, using your strength to protect and help others, even in small ways. Teaching outspoken-ness and self reliance (this does have to be balanced out with patience, listening, and the ability to ask for help). many forms of teamwork. Taking charge when needed to lead a community.
#35
tandoori_taco_cat said: Male friendship is a unique thing. The term 'bro' is joking, but true male friendship really is akin to being brothers in all but blood. Laptraffik replied: True. I have few male friends but each of them is a brother too me. Even after rattling each other's heads more than a few times.
#36
Humour.
Dudes loving on each other.
Dudes cooking food (specifically for me, a non-dude, who can't cook)
#37
Mr. Torgue in Borderlands. He's strangely wholesome despite being an illiterate explosion-obsessed ultra-macho man. DON'T LET ANYONE TELL YOU THAT YOUR EXPLOSIONS DON'T MATTER! IMPOSTER SYNDROME IS NO JOKE! NOTHING IS MORE BADASS THAN TREATING A WOMAN WITH RESPECT!!
Susie Elle 3 years ago
"Right now, you're ranked fifty in the badass leaderboards, which puts you behind my grandma but ahead of a guy she gummed to death. IT TOOK SEVERAL HOURS." Not wholesome but funny as sh*t.
What do you think ?
Daenarys 3 years ago
I'm a 6th grade teacher and some of the things I've seen from my students really makes me feel good about this generation of kids. Some examples: The kids were sitting on the floor watching a movie (it went with our Novel unit) and one complains he can't see when he lays down and his back is sore from a recent injury so another boy moves behind him and tells him to lean on him. They sat like that through the last hour of the movie. Two boys were standing in the back of my room. One of the boys is visibly upset and the other is leaning close talking quietly to him. I go over to see what's wrong when the much bigger boy who was talking calmly told me that the other boy was 'very mad because of how some of the kids were talking to him and he just didn't know what to do with all his anger'. The bigger boy was talking him through it all. The boys just randomly hugging each other, leaning on each other, etc. They are so free with physical affection to each other that it melts my heart.
Rick Seiden 3 years ago
When I was a teenager I would hug my parents. I loved them, they loved me, we hugged. One time I was at a party and my dad came to pick me up. I got up and hugged him. Some of the other teens were a little shocked that I hugged him. Sad for them. Then my dad told me that a friend at work said that his son gave him a hug for the first time in over a year and how good it made him feel. My dad probably said something like hugging your son always feels good.
Patti Vance 3 years ago
i remember when my coworkers would comment on how they wish they had the relationship i had with my son with their sons. i never understood what they meant because i didn't have anything to measure the relationship against. eventually, i realized that it was because as a teen he was always comfortable being demonstrative with me. even when he had the teen angst & i was desperate to keep communication open he unknowingly allowed me to do it with out of the box ideas. now, he is 42, lives next door, and helps me when he can. he calls himself a mama's boy and has always been outspoken to his friends regarding how a man is comfortable in his skin and not in other's opinions. we may not always agree on things but i am glad that he learned to stand up to injustices, help strangers, and willing to share his positive masculinity.
BookCrazyTeen 3 years ago
Apart from anyone directly in my life (family members and such) my cross country coach just absolutely radiates positive masculinity. We’re a girls team and he always supports us so much, when he’s trying to adjust our positions during warmups he will always ask before he touches you, and he tells us this story from a couple years back when one of the girls made a bet with him, if she beat a certain time then he would wear a dress. He very proudly did it when she won, took pictures and showed them to our current team, and says he’d do it again lol. He also seems like a very good father to his 5 year old daughter, and he has even painted his nails before meets with girls from past years. He’s overall a very great coach and I’m sad that once I graduate he won’t be my coach anymore.
Bob Stuart 3 years ago
Rudyard Kipling wrote "If" about men, celebrating many good qualities I'd rather have celebrated again. We do the tough, dirty, dangerous jobs, and sacrifice ourselves to save women and children.
Camilla Koutsos 3 years ago
My parents treated my sister and I as people, rather than as daughters. I'll always be grateful for that. The fact that I turned out to be non-binary made it even more important for me.
Kevin Felton 3 years ago
Half these examples are men doing nice things for women. As men we are there to provide for and protect women and f**k all else. We don't even have an identity. Women are the ones who decide what is good masculinity and what is "toxic" masculinity. You can't even blame this on feminism because traditionalists do the same thing. We're expected to go down on the titanic while being the butt of every joke and talking about the disparity makes you an a*****e. Hell just pointing this out will get me labeled as an incel, a neckbeard, and a basement dwelling mouth breather. If you've never heard it you should listen to Karen Straughn's feminism and the disposable male. Yes, it's the exact thing I was just talking about, however she is very eloquent and explains the problem much better than I can.
TrickQuestion 3 years ago (edited)
There's a kids show called "Bluey" that shows an incredible depiction of a complex dad. It's lead to the formation of several online support groups for parents, but also specifically for dads. It's literally one of the most positive and supportive group for men I've ever seen. One of the show runners even gave it a shout out during an interview! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603325766532604
Doreen Anna 3 years ago
Am here to say a big thank you to this man who help me with his powerful spell to bring back my ex who left me for someone else , thank you my ex is back to me , if you want his help you can email him: greatmutaba@gmail.com
Daenarys 3 years ago
I'm a 6th grade teacher and some of the things I've seen from my students really makes me feel good about this generation of kids. Some examples: The kids were sitting on the floor watching a movie (it went with our Novel unit) and one complains he can't see when he lays down and his back is sore from a recent injury so another boy moves behind him and tells him to lean on him. They sat like that through the last hour of the movie. Two boys were standing in the back of my room. One of the boys is visibly upset and the other is leaning close talking quietly to him. I go over to see what's wrong when the much bigger boy who was talking calmly told me that the other boy was 'very mad because of how some of the kids were talking to him and he just didn't know what to do with all his anger'. The bigger boy was talking him through it all. The boys just randomly hugging each other, leaning on each other, etc. They are so free with physical affection to each other that it melts my heart.
Rick Seiden 3 years ago
When I was a teenager I would hug my parents. I loved them, they loved me, we hugged. One time I was at a party and my dad came to pick me up. I got up and hugged him. Some of the other teens were a little shocked that I hugged him. Sad for them. Then my dad told me that a friend at work said that his son gave him a hug for the first time in over a year and how good it made him feel. My dad probably said something like hugging your son always feels good.
Patti Vance 3 years ago
i remember when my coworkers would comment on how they wish they had the relationship i had with my son with their sons. i never understood what they meant because i didn't have anything to measure the relationship against. eventually, i realized that it was because as a teen he was always comfortable being demonstrative with me. even when he had the teen angst & i was desperate to keep communication open he unknowingly allowed me to do it with out of the box ideas. now, he is 42, lives next door, and helps me when he can. he calls himself a mama's boy and has always been outspoken to his friends regarding how a man is comfortable in his skin and not in other's opinions. we may not always agree on things but i am glad that he learned to stand up to injustices, help strangers, and willing to share his positive masculinity.
BookCrazyTeen 3 years ago
Apart from anyone directly in my life (family members and such) my cross country coach just absolutely radiates positive masculinity. We’re a girls team and he always supports us so much, when he’s trying to adjust our positions during warmups he will always ask before he touches you, and he tells us this story from a couple years back when one of the girls made a bet with him, if she beat a certain time then he would wear a dress. He very proudly did it when she won, took pictures and showed them to our current team, and says he’d do it again lol. He also seems like a very good father to his 5 year old daughter, and he has even painted his nails before meets with girls from past years. He’s overall a very great coach and I’m sad that once I graduate he won’t be my coach anymore.
Bob Stuart 3 years ago
Rudyard Kipling wrote "If" about men, celebrating many good qualities I'd rather have celebrated again. We do the tough, dirty, dangerous jobs, and sacrifice ourselves to save women and children.
Camilla Koutsos 3 years ago
My parents treated my sister and I as people, rather than as daughters. I'll always be grateful for that. The fact that I turned out to be non-binary made it even more important for me.
Kevin Felton 3 years ago
Half these examples are men doing nice things for women. As men we are there to provide for and protect women and f**k all else. We don't even have an identity. Women are the ones who decide what is good masculinity and what is "toxic" masculinity. You can't even blame this on feminism because traditionalists do the same thing. We're expected to go down on the titanic while being the butt of every joke and talking about the disparity makes you an a*****e. Hell just pointing this out will get me labeled as an incel, a neckbeard, and a basement dwelling mouth breather. If you've never heard it you should listen to Karen Straughn's feminism and the disposable male. Yes, it's the exact thing I was just talking about, however she is very eloquent and explains the problem much better than I can.
TrickQuestion 3 years ago (edited)
There's a kids show called "Bluey" that shows an incredible depiction of a complex dad. It's lead to the formation of several online support groups for parents, but also specifically for dads. It's literally one of the most positive and supportive group for men I've ever seen. One of the show runners even gave it a shout out during an interview! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603325766532604
Doreen Anna 3 years ago
Am here to say a big thank you to this man who help me with his powerful spell to bring back my ex who left me for someone else , thank you my ex is back to me , if you want his help you can email him: greatmutaba@gmail.com
You May Like These 2-Sentence Horror Stories Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine 110 One Line Horror Stories To Give You Goosebumps 57 Creepy True Ghost Stories To Never Feel Alone Again
Inga Korolkovaite
Linas Simonaitis
Viltė Domkutė
Related on Bored Panda
