What does it mean?

Question

to be a man, in your experience? I know that one needn't be a jerk to be manly, but I am otherwise at a loss for good masculine role models. I know it sounds cheesy. But I am sick of looking up to athletes and musicians... what is a real man?

Answer 1

a real man is him self all the time,and confident in doing so. and showing respect to others

Answer 2

There is no universally accepted definition of a what real man should be like. Often a boy's father, for better or for worse, becomes this role model. And that's not always that great. For one thing, in the eyes of one's parents their son/daughter will always be their baby, and they don't treat their kids right as they enter adolescence, causing a lot of teenage angst and whatnot because they still treat their 15 year old like he's 10. Very common problem.

But as far as your emotional development and finding yourself and your personality and who you want to be, I believe finding the right adult males to hang out with, associate with, ask advice from, learn from, etc.... is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Mentors are important.

I'm betting you already have some idea in mind of people you know of in your own neighborhood that you respect and would be good role models.

Going a little off track here, but:
I don't believe in the artificial-type discipline enforced by certain branches of the military. They basically take in impressionable 17-19 year old youths and break them down until they are mentally damaged and feel worthless, and then when it's over they tell them they are "a man". And frankly, that's kinda sick. For some guys it does seem to be what they need, ironically. But overall, statistics show that this can cause chronic mental problems. In effect, later in life people who were "broken down" and then "built back up" often are more disciplined with their work, but pay the price statistically speaking of having very increased rates of alcoholism, and increased rates of domestic violence by beating spouses and children. They also have higher rates of suicide and are not good at being empathetic with others.

True discipline comes through self-discipline with the advice and encouragement of others. You have to build up yourself, in a positive way. If you have others you respect to give you encouragement and advice and positive vibes, that goes a long way into "becoming a man" so to speak.

If there are certain characteristics you'd like to adopt in men a little older than you who are successful, try to befriend these persons and hang out with them assuming they're willing to accept you on their level and treat you like you're their age. It will be a good influence and you'll learn how to think and see things like them.

Just my 02 cents.

Answer 3

Im 16 and I have a gf, my gf tells me about how she hates the jocks and them, I believe that to have what it takes to be a real man, they need to be sensitive and have emotion side. Not like crying, but acting nice and being slighty sensative. Many guys think that being jerks makes them a true man, but it doesn't it makes them a jerk and know girl/women would want a jerk. Being sensative, nice, caring for his kids and staying in shape is what I believe is what it takes to be a real man.

Answer 4

If you ever see the guy who is acting like a moron in his car singing and doing a stupid dance for his kids, that is a great male role model. The guy who doesn't care what the rest of the world thinks because his wife and kids come first. It takes a big man to sing "Elmo's World" in public to make his little girl stop crying.

Answer 5

a real man is one that knows how to take care of his own life and reach his own goals..someone who is successful and at the same time humble and down to earth