Setting a strong example for men to follow can be tough.
After all, you don’t want to have your friends say things to you in your friendship group for not wearing the same clothes as them, or even for not laughing at the same sort of jokes as them. However, if you want to be the best person you can be, you need to live and act true to yourself. Sometimes that means going against the norm and what is expected of you. Below, you’ll find out how you can set a strong example for men to follow:
BE A GREAT FATHER AND HUSBAND
Be a great father and husband, if applicable. Split chores with your partner, and make sure you spend one on one time with your kids, allowing your partner to do their own thing. The old idea of going out to work while your partner stays at home and looks after the kids is dying. Just because something is rooted in ‘tradition’ doesn’t mean it’s right.
LEARN ABOUT TOXIC MASCULINITY
Toxic masculinity is something perpetuated on TV, in magazines and newspapers, and pretty much in friendship groups all the time. Many don’t even realize it. Toxic masculinity is expecting men to avoid things like vulnerability and empathy (things usually associated with femininity). Men are not supposed to simply ‘keep a stiff upper lip’. They should be able to share their feelings and be able to put themselves in the shoes of other people. Make an effort to do this, even if it feels scary at first.
RESPECT WOMEN
Respecting women isn’t too much to ask, and yet men fail to do it every day. Don’t cat call women. Don’t touch a woman without her consent. Treat her as an equal – don’t dismiss her idea just because it came from her and not a male colleague. Better yet, be a feminist. Campaign for women’s rights and do your best to understand their struggles. Accept that they can live how they like, whether that’s covering their entire body in material or wearing as little of it as possible. Every woman is worthy of love and respect, however she chooses to live her life.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH
Taking care of your health will help you to set a good example to other men, especially in your family. Visiting a mens addiction rehab center could be the first step you need to take if you have struggled with addiction. Going to the gym could be an easy way to not only get your body stronger, but strengthen your mind.
ALWAYS AIM TO IMPROVE AS A PERSON AND THOUGHT LEADER
Read books, watch TedTalks, and listen to podcasts. Do all you can to improve as a person and become a thought leader. Share what you’ve learned with others, but don’t be forceful in your opinion. Stay gentle and kind.
BE A GOOD LISTENER
Always listen well. Don’t wait for your turn to speak. Listening is a skill and one everyone could improve upon!