No doubt you’ve heard a lot about me from others, mostly complaints, but at the end of the day, I don’t think I’m a bad guy. Truth be told, I don’t think about how others view me at all. Mostly because I don’t care. Never have. You know what they say about opinions. However, the world is a whole different place from when I grew up, and right now it’s all about feelings and self-awareness and being kind to everyone, even the assholes.

So since you say you’re having some men struggles, at work or in life in general, maybe this might help. A few classic truths, if you will. Brace yourself.

Plus it might help the two of us understand one other better too.

1. Most guys value recognition for their abilities, achievements and contributions. Feeling respected is a powerful motivator and when you start to get the feeling you’re being brushed under the rug, it pisses you off. That’s where I have been existing lately and it’s not fun.

2. While it may not appear to be the case with me, I can assure you that guys also value connection with other people, even if society likes to suggest otherwise. Yes, we express this need differently compared to women, but we still want to be supported by the people in our lives. It’s hard to feel happy when you feel ignored or taken for granted.

3. We have to have a purpose. Doesn’t matter what it is … career, family, some hobby, whatever. It’s important. But it has to be authentic. Not contrived or for validation. Probably the biggest problem I have with the way the world works now. Everything is fake – all made up for show to impress other people. I value truth.

4. Yes, we men can be emotionally complex. Might not look like it on paper, but we are capable of a wide range of emotions. But again, the world looks down on guys who emote too much. So, a lot of times instead, we just shut down – and are judged for that too.

5. We have just as much drive for success as anyone – regardless of age. We still want to win. But the older you get, the more that gets overlooked. The older you get the more you get forgotten about.

6. Guys like me oftentimes get lumped into that category especially. That we are focused only on ourselves and selfish. I suppose this can be true at times, but I believe in helping other people – and I’ve slowly come to the realization that maybe you do too.

Well, that’s a lot of words, I know. But I wanted to thank you for being so considerate lately and letting me know you care. And to tell you that the same applies in return. If you happen to need advice on anything else, let me know and I’ll try my best to help.

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