IMO here these threads pop up once in a while & that is understandable. It is, after all, a men's club. I think it is great that men have a place to come and ask the questions they REALLY have, without worrying about looking ill informed or clueless to whoever the woman in question might be.
I am humbled by the kind words from so many of you here. Both on this thread and in PM and elsewhere. Thank you.
Also we mustn't forget
@penkitten ! She is part of the old guard here (she's quite a bit younger than me however, lol) and she is a great example of what a man should look for, and what a woman should aspire to in relationship.
I see y'all offering so much support and camaraderie to one another and I think y'all really are a great group of men here for the purpose of helping each other become better men & lifting one another up when life throws out a nasty curve ball. I've gained perspective that in reality men actually care deeply about the things going on in their lives and that includes the woman (women) that they fancy. I've developed great respect for many of you, even some with whom I disagree.
I learned so very much from my father, but he NEVER lost frame and so I never got much view behind his inner curtain, of his inner struggles, his deep contemplations, his fears and uncertainties. Stumbling onto this internet outpost in the twilight of my father's life gave me a deeper understanding of WHY he was the way he was, which in turn gave me a better understanding of him, what he stood for, how he conducted himself...and we were already very close, I had the honor of calling him a beloved friend as well as my Dad. The perspective here gave me greater context to appreciate & respect my Dad even more, which I consider such a gift. For that too I am grateful.
This community has helped me offer support to my lover and understand the dynamic of his severe BPD ex-wife, and showed me that he is not the only one with such struggles.
This community has helped me understand how a man should set out expectations for his own life, and has demonstrated how emotionally mature and healthy men conduct their lives and their affairs. It has helped me set my own expectations concerning my ex husband and his personal goals and growth as a father and as a man. It helps me understand a man's experience in the world, which helps me better relate and encourage, and support the men in my life, both professionally and personally.
This community has helped me see first hand the way the dating market exists for the youth. As I've noted often I am raising a high school son and two younger daughters who will eventually be in the dating pool. It's been an eye-opening experience to be sure, but knowledge is power. The way I am raising my daughters (to be young ladies with character, manners and traditional values, including waiting until marriage *preferably* for sex) is construed as terribly old fashioned and erroneously categorized as prudish at times, but it is anything but that. I want my children to develop sufficient self esteem to have restraint, consideration of consequences, and a moral compass that isn't simply swept away in the moment. I want them to be worthy life partners. I want them to recognize their value and be able to discern the intrinsic value in those around them. The expectations I set for them is high, as are the expectations I set for myself. I try to be a good example and offer practical and pragmatic solutions both to them and when I contribute here. But boy do I see what I'm up against!
The best thing for me personally about being here is that it refutes the lie of late stage feminism. There are still manly men (MUCH rejoicing!!) It reaffirms all the things my wise and beautiful grandmother said to me as a young woman. Things about the importance of reputation, of manners, of how my behavior reflects on myself and those around me, and how it is a privilege to be in the company of a well regarded man.
I am happy some of my perspective is useful to you on your journey. Much of y'all's perspectives are informative and helpful to me. I for one will never collect cats. Or dogs. I find men endlessly and delightfully fascinating. I adore men since being a tomboy all those years ago.
I talk too much. It's the extra "X" chromosome.
Cheers to each of you -BE