Good Men

  

You should have seen the smile on my face as I wrote this gratitude welling up inside me, feeling privileged to have good men around me. Yes, men. I am deeply thankful for the good and kind men in my life.

Men are the leaders we look to for almost everything we do and have. I’m especially grateful for my amazing brothers who look after me. But even more, I’m thankful for those who aren’t blood-related yet are more than family. The kindness and empathy they’ve shown me I truly appreciate it.

Now, I know some might think, "Why all this fuss about men?" But let me tell you, there are just some things I can’t do on my own. I’ve always believed that certain tasks fall under the man’s domain. Take electricity, for example so long as there’s a man around, aha, he’ll be the one to handle it.

So, what prompted my gratitude for men tonight? Well, the power went out, and while there was still some light outside, I needed the electricity back on ASAP because I had just returned from work and needed to microwave my meal. Naturally, I called my neighbor, who’s a guy, but unfortunately, he had stepped out. That meant I’d have to wait for him to come back to help resolve the issue. But patience isn’t my strong suit when I’m hungry! So, I decided to try and fix it myself since I was told it was a minor issue.

Guess what? I got there, and suddenly, I was lost completely clueless about what to do. I called my other neighbor, a lady, and she admitted she’s scared of electricity too. She then called someone else, who also happened to be a lady. Haha! 😄 Ladies and gentlemen, come and see drama on top of this light matter. Last last, we fumbled around with caution, and by some miracle, we got it right. There was light once again, and I could microwave my food in peace. Phew! 😅

You see, when it comes to carpentry work around the house, if there’s a man around, I believe he should do it. It’s just not a lady-like thing, biko! Or fetching water let’s be real, a gentle and kind man will offer to help. And don’t even get me started on lifting heavy stuff, aside from me lifting weights for fitness! 😂

Just the other day, our pumping machine went bad. I was chatting with another neighbor, and he suggested, "Why don’t you look it up on Google and fix it?" Omo, I changed it for him o! I told him, "No, you’re the guy in the house at that moment you should take the initiative to do it, not ask a lady to handle it. Ko le werk!"

So, yes, I’m grateful for the men who embrace their masculinity in a way that makes life easier for us women, allowing us to thrive in their protection and not be taken advantage of. I’m grateful for the men who bring out the femininity in me without ulterior motives. There are, of course, some men who expect to be taken care of by women. I’m not an enabler of such attitudes. Some will even probe and ask, "Can’t you be of help when he doesn’t have?" Be careful not to fall for the wrong ones o!

Beyond the practical help and protection, I’m grateful for the sense of humor, the laughter, and the joy that men bring into my life. There’s something about a man’s ability to lighten the mood with a well-timed joke or to make you forget your worries, even if just for a moment. It’s in those small moments that I find myself appreciating their presence the most.

Take, for example, the countless times a male friend has made me laugh when I was feeling down. Or the times when a brother’s goofy antics turned a dull day into something worth remembering. These moments are priceless and serve as a reminder of the positive impact men can have on our emotional well-being.

Another thing I cherish is the wisdom that many men bring to the table. Whether it’s life advice from an older brother or practical tips from a neighbor, I’ve found that men often have a unique perspective that complements my own. Their insights have helped me navigate tricky situations, make better decisions, and grow as a person.

And let’s not forget the sense of security that comes from having good men around. Knowing that there are men who will stand up for you, protect you, and have your back no matter what, is a comfort like no other. It’s this feeling of safety that allows us, as women, to relax and fully embrace our femininity. We can be soft, we can be vulnerable, because we know that the men in our lives will be there to catch us if we fall.

But with all this appreciation, it’s important to acknowledge that not all men are deserving of this gratitude. Some men, unfortunately, take advantage of their position or try to exploit the kindness of women. It’s crucial to be discerning and to surround ourselves with men who genuinely care for us, without expecting anything in return.

So, as I sit here reflecting on the men in my life, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I’m thankful for their strength, their kindness, their humor, and their wisdom. I’m thankful for the way they make life a little easier, a little brighter, and a lot more joyful.

What about you? What are you grateful for when it comes to the men in your life?