A Guide To Masculinity

A Guide to Masculinity (Part 1)

Masculinity defines the qualities, attributes and traditional duties of men and boys in society. Masculinity is exclusively reserved for men and boys alone. Here are the various aspect of masculine value:

Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence can be referred as the capacity to comprehend, know, and be in charge of one’s emotions and others’ emotions. Masculinity requires men to have tight grip over their emotions because a man can’t be in tune with his masculine essence without mastering the skill of emotional intelligence.
A man who had learned how to control his emotions when faced with situations that challenge him is endowed with emotional intelligence.
Men who are prone to acting on their emotions are very dangerous and they are susceptible to making blunders that are capable of altering their life. Most of the male inmates acted on their emotions without weighing the pros and cons of the outcome of their actions.
Another way of practicing emotional intelligence is through the display of empathy. A man who is in touch with his masculinity is empathetic towards other people. Empathy is needed if a man wants to have meaningful friendship and connection with other people. Putting the feelings of other people into consideration is a good virtue of masculinity.

Integrity
Integrity is the watchword of masculinity. The true worth of a man is his integrity. A man who lives by a set of unwavering values and principles that is widely acceptable in the society is a darling of everyone.
Honesty is embedded in integrity. When a man is honest in all his dealings, building both personal and professional relationship will be a cakewalk for him. People will love to be around him because they know that he doesn’t manipulate or cheat people in order to further his inordinate desires.
Confidence is another code of masculinity. Confidence is firm belief in one’s capacity. Confidence is deeply rooted in masculinity. People especially women are attracted to a confident man because they know that he believes in himself.

Physical and Mental Health
A man must stay healthy if he wants to be seen in the full regalia of masculinity. Caring for one’s body and mind help him to portray his best version.
A man must stay fit at all time. He should only eat healthy and balanced diet. He must possess physical strength and stamina. He must display outward appearance of strength, vitality, and capacity all the time.
A man must always take charge of his mental health because the responsibilities that come with being a man is enormous. So it is important for men to always seek help when they are overwhelmed with life’s challenges. Sucking in one’s problem isn’t a true test of a man’s masculinity, depression can easily set it. It is okay for a man to share his problems with the right people or seek professional help like going into therapy.
Discipline is another key word of masculinity. Discipline is the ability to do what one isn’t comfortable to do but he has to do it in order to have a better future. Discipline is the pathway for a better tomorrow because it sets one on the right path to achieving his goals. Discipline is all about engaging in activities that will enhance one’s growth.

Compassion
A true test of masculinity is compassion. The ability to render help to the needy especially when one is capable of doing it. Altruism is one powerful trait of masculinity. Displaying kindness, love, compassion, and help to people is a true test of masculinity.
Kindness is needed in masculinity because it regulates a man’s strength or else he becomes a tyrant. A true test of masculinity is showing kindness, empathy and love to the needy.
Masculinity is rendering emotional support to people and doing the right by others.

Purpose and Leadership
A man must be purpose driven if he wants to attain the peak of masculinity. A man who has found his purpose had already given direction to his life. The true definition of a man is his purpose. A man who wants to achieve meaningful things in his life must find his purpose and build capacity on it. His purpose could be his career, passion, talent, family. He must be intentional with his purpose because it is what is going to come through for him when he is going through challenges.
A man must be a leader and he must possess leadership skills if he wants to be treated with respect by members of his family or other people. A man must be able to take charge of things, make informed decisions and leads his family towards the path of peace and prosperity. Women easily respect and submit to men who possess leadership skills.

These are some of the key attributes that a man must possess if he wants to attain the peak of masculinity. Any man who possesses these traits is going to earn the respect of many people in the society. I will continue with the remaining characteristics of masculinity in my next article.