What does it mean to be a real man to you?

Question

Growing up, Clint Eastwood was one of the only people I referred to about what it meant to be a man.

MrJMM · Accepted Answer

To my blood family, I am just a boy. I am of course still in the state of development since I am just starting life but through all the shits I have lived through and suffered I think I will have a good future. Through physical abuse, mental games, and being emotionally manipulated I am still afraid of the world because of how it hurt me. The scars we hide tell us a story but only a part of it. Looking at the scars I have to remind myself that life is too short, and I am lucky that I fought, experienced, and learned because we only live once. Some people think being a man is just muscle, some think that the height, some think that is the physical strength, the testosterone, the body, the old saying that a man is stronger than a woman, or how much the man gets paid, etc. Everyone's definition of a man is different and mine is that a man is on tap with his emotional side and not afraid to show it, he's willing to sacrifice and fight everything for the people he cares about, and he's going to do anything in his power to make sure his loved one is being taken care of, and I am hoping that I can become that kind of a man someday in the future.

Lliam · Accepted Answer

Good guys and even antiheroes in old Westerns were examples of men. Movies about men's athletics like football portray manly attitudes and behavior.

A few days ago, I watched the movie, On Any Given Sunday, and was thinking about men's behavior and the big differences between men and women.

I'd name Lee Marvin and Robert Mitchum as examples of manly men.

Men are strong and physical. They are bold. They work hard and play hard. They do what needs to be done. Good men have ethics and ideals. Even if they are scared, they'll stand up for what's right. They are willing to fight to the death for a noble cause. They are honest and loyal. They feel deeply but don't let those feeling paralyze them.
They are attracted to women.

Subarugirl · Accepted Answer

Real men have integrity, emotional intelligence and maturity. They are introspective, empathetic, accountable and take responsibility for their words and actions. They are purposeful, have humility, and resilience. Real men ask for help when they need it because they are secure enough in themselves to realize that everyone needs help at some point and admitting that doesn't make you any less of a man.

dustybiker · Accepted Answer

Comfortable in their own skin. Not feeling like they have to prove themselves. They know who they are, it shows, so people believe it. Not afraid to listen to others opinions (without reaction) even when they disagree with them.

That’s a starting foundation (to me personally)

Anonymous · Answer

If you strive to uphold the RANGER Creed, at least in how it applies in civilian life, then you have earned the moniker of "Man"

Recognizing that I volunteered as a Ranger, fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession, I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor, and high esprit de corps of the Rangers. (You volunteer for the things that must be done, despite the risk, and you execute knowing that the honor of you, your group, your family, etc is on the line)

Acknowledging the fact that a Ranger is a more elite soldier who arrives at the cutting edge of battle by land, sea, or air, I accept the fact that as a Ranger my country expects me to move further, faster and fight harder than any other soldier. (There is always ONE MORE THING you can do, do everything at your best, strive to do it better than the next person, and when everyone else has quit, you keep going. If you have breath, you have no excuse to quit)

Never shall I fail my comrades. I will always keep myself mentally alert, physically strong and morally straight and I will shoulder more than my share of the task whatever it may be, one-hundred-percent and then some. (People are counting on you, be physically and mentally ready to do your part, as well as the part of the next person who may not be as capable. "What is expected" is the MINIMUM)

Gallantly will I show the world that I am a specially selected and well-trained soldier. My courtesy to superior officers, neatness of dress and care of equipment shall set the example for others to follow. (Take pride and stand apart for good reason, the world is watching)

Energetically will I meet the enemies of my country. I shall defeat them on the field of battle for I am better trained and will fight with all my might. Surrender is not a Ranger word. I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy and under no circumstances will I ever embarrass my country. (You NEVER quit. You NEVER give up. Even death is preferable to dishonor. And you NEVER leave your people behind.)

Readily will I display the intestinal fortitude required to fight on to the Ranger objective and complete the mission though I be the lone survivor. (Even if you're the only one left, even if you can barely move, you do what you have set out to do.)

These things were taught to me by my stepfather, a Ranger, knowing I could never follow in his footsteps as such, but knowing that if I held to the same values he did I would succeed. Succeed I have, following this set of values has propelled me into positions in companies that I could have never dreamed of. Now I strive to teach these values to the other women I know and date to help them succeed as well. To me, if someone claims to be a man, but cannot follow this way, he is no man, he is but a boy.

CaptainOverthink · Answer

Being a man to me is taking charge of your life by making sure you create good habits for yourself.
- Like doing things despite fear knowing you'll always be a villain to someone anyhow.
- To accept failure as the nessecary happenstance in the progress to competence.
- To assume an overwatching and helpful/useful attitude towards others.
- To be a teamplayer.
- To work hard on your passions, work or yourself.

While it would feel natural to add things like honesty, kindness and so on I think that has more to do with being a good person than it has being a man.
A man can be good or bad and still be a man because men have been good for many things throughout history one of which is going to war and do horrible things in the service of something greater from their POV.

I am saying what constitutes being a man lies in the core characeristics of what's reflected off of men in general. But also that it takes great effort to polish oneself and use these characteristics in an optimal way, which is rather rare and even more so to balance between them all.

ManOnFire · Answer

- You're not afraid of being who you are or caring what people think.
- You're courageous and confident enough in yourself that you also don't worry about sharing your fears with anyone. Or at least people close to you.
- You are smooth and relaxed but not a douche when talking or flirting with women.
- You don't need to be the dominant voice in the room or throw your weight around with people.
- You know how to be with children and can lead them.
- You have no problems letting a woman know how you feel about her and that you care a lot.
- You don't need to to care about sports, guns, or porn to make you a tough guy.
- You are aware of the fact that being rough and aggressive doesn't apply in all situations or with all people, and you use it where necessary.

trumpets310 · Answer

For me, a real man has always meant someone that lets his actions do the talking. Not that he's necessarily quiet, but any man who runs his mouth and needs to brag about everything is missing the mark. James Bond is an example of masculine ideals in my opinion - he builds up competence in physical and mental tasks, but he behaves in an understated way. He also exercises control over his emotions,. I don't mean that a "real man" needs to be stoic, but I do mean to say that the guy who loses his temper at the slightest inconvenience and yells at / threatens others is just a guy, not a man. A man who is assured in his own capabilities without being cocky, and acts with integrity and thoughtfulness is worthy of respect in my book.

TwinTonyz · Answer

It means doing what you say you are gonna do.
Setting goals for yourself then following through.
Protecting those who deserve it, but respecting yourself enough to curb it.
It means controlling your emotions.
Don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed.
Show no weakness , and if they exist, keep your weaknesses to yourself.
Build something greater than you could ever be alone.
Be a leader in something, at the very least your home.
Never stagnate, reach higher because you're not enough right now.
Maintain your values, because your word's all you have if there's nothing else.

worldscolide · Answer

A real man does the following

Honor - Choices that you make, reflect of whom you truly are
Courage - Rise above the masses, live your life complete and strong
Compassion - Is the power that must be used for the good of all
Loyal - To the ones in my care, standing true for what the cause
Honesty - There are no shades of grey, only truth as it can be
Sincere - Don't need to give my word, to speak of such, is the same thing
Courtesy - There's no need to prove strength, even respect your enemies
Values - This is the code I feel, emotions without words, can speak.

Insight, intelligence, integrity...

Phoenix98 · Answer

I think men are forged personally.

Men being likened to a bar of steel and life it’s forge and blacksmith. And through the fires and flames of strife, hard work and adversity we are continually struck down and hammered, shaped and tempered.

It’s what's made us strong and defined who we are for so long.

dragoblack · Answer

Psychologically?, i would say a guy who doesn't take his insecurities out on other people, doesn't act petty, does what he enjoys without careing of people saying it's "girly", "feminine", & " immature", is self-sufficient, fixes his own stuff, admits when he is wrong, is willing to be there for others when they need someone, is willing to understand & learn new subjects of knowledge, fixes/rectifies for his mistakes, works to better himself, and always returns the favors to others that have helped him.

LilyoftheLake · Answer

I'm just going to say it: The main thing that a man has is Strength. And I'm not just talking about physical strength (though that's a part of it).

My dad? Strong. I have never met a woman who can match a REAL man's emotional and physical strength. Don't get me wrong, I've met some pretty fierce and fit women in my life. But it really just doesn't compare!

Whatever2929292 · Answer

I think it comes down to biology. I am not into calling people a "real man" I think most people who do that are pathetic and trying to make up for something in their own self.

Like the ones who calls oneself a alpha male and calls others betas, cucks, etc. Really more often then not they are projecting who they are and it is all bullshit anyways.

lightbulb27 · Answer

a pretty good take... In essence... stop caring what others think, make your own decisions, be willing to give and sacrafice for your family that they may live.  It's what Ukraininans are doing in large numbers... very impressive men!

Citizenkirk · Answer

An XY chromosome, penis and testicles, and a commitment to keeping one's word is what I call being a man.
Today, an honest woman with surgical procedures done to her, can become a man. Better just to remain an honest biological woman, though.
That would make her a real woman in my view.

HopefulGuy94 · Answer

My father is the best men in terms of everything I have met so far , and he will always be , thanks to God. I admire him in every way as his personality. The things whick makes us us is our character , thoughts , brains not our physical appearance or someyhing else. When we die we will be said that "Rest in peace , this person was so good/bad" or etc. not like "Rest in peace , this person was so handsome/beautiful" or stuff like that. Clint Eastwood is nothing for me.

Anpu23 · Answer

My male role models growing up included James Bond, Voltaire, Simon LeBond, Sherlock Holms and the Scarlet Pimpernel. Style and ability and subtle confidence and fearlessly speaking up against wrongs. To be equally at home at a full course meal in a palace as well as stepping into a violent situation. A chap and a gentleman.

menina · Answer

A man who's confident but not arrogant, who is not afraid to cry or to show emotions. A man who respects women, who is stable, who respects his family. Someone who is not afraid to be himself nor to wear pink.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

Same as a ''real woman'': accepting oneself as-is, and not letting others tell you what a ''real'' man or woman must be like :D

Anonymous · Answer

As stupid and woke as it sounds you're a real man if you identify as one.
I don't really have a definition because it feels like a stupid social construct. A man doesn't have to be all hairy, strong, talk, family oriented, a money maker or anything.
If you feel like a man it's enough for me. Take the hormones and live your life as a dude my dude.

annabananna · Answer

Someone who is wise and considerate of others and has integrity. Calm and gentle yet knows how to protect and stick up for loved ones when needed. A hard worker and takes responsibility. Someone who knows how to lead and does the right thing.

Iron_Man · Answer

I agree with you Clint Eastwood is a real man and so is John Wayne warrior people

Puppystarfish23 · Answer

Your asking this on the wrong site 😅 no Im joking some of the men on here are lovely. Basically just look at half the sad loser incels on this site and be the opposite of them.

AssholeNumberOne · Answer

Uhh.. Just be born with a penis and be a good person. There ya go

Kenzy009 · Answer

Being a real man has nothing to do with having a deep voice, being tall, mucled, thick beard or any of that othr rediculus superfical crap. Just look at Jack Murphy who embodyes that kind of thing and he ended up being the ultimate cuck.

Being a man is about caracter, be a leader, be brave, stand up for what is right and serve your comminity and family

Sour-rose · Answer

Put up with my shi, and have a 0.5 dong... or not a dong at all

dynamicyandere · Answer

There’s not an authoritative answer, as it’s subjective. But, I think a real man should conduct themselves with honor, integrity, courage, leadership, responsibility, discipline, and purpose.

DS_Madking · Answer

for me it means u can take resonsibility for ur actions no matter how heavy

Starlight007 · Answer

Men, men men men manly men whoohoohooo 🎶

MysticDevice · Answer

My conception of a real man is Aragorn from Lord of the Rings

Someone who can mow down hoards of orcs and goblins, stare a literal demon in the face and tell him to get lost, then turn around and tenderly kiss Arwyn on the forehead.

Juxtapose · Answer

A real man is someone who comes out to be biologically male.

If you want my bullshit subjective definition then a tough masculine figure should be walking their own path and be able to defend themselves.

Anonymous · Answer

Kind, gentle and caring. But if someone harms his family, he rips their head off and shits down their neck. Maybe The Outlaw Josey Wales.

KrakenAttackin · Answer

I watch women attempting to define "real man" and I hear my ancestors laughing than crying.

Anonymous · Answer

1) following the most high GOD Christ 2) going to kill the giants as GOD mandated  3) and ignoring the labels society has placed on you and its rules it has placed on you

Aerissa_Jade · Answer

Stable, able to take care of themselves. Hard worker, who has good work ethics.

DryGermanGuy · Answer

"What ever happened to Gary Cooper? The strong, silent type."  - Tony Soprano, The Sopranos

bean2k21 · Answer

It means having no concern whatsoever for what it means to be a "real man" because everyone knows that's just a term that women use to try to get us to do their dirty work.

jennifer_bloom · Answer

I would say a real man is considerate and caring - not just of high status people but of all in ear shot

hellomellow7 · Answer

To me a real man is caring, kind, considerate, not afraid to show he loves someone, or afraid to cry, but also strong and masculine

Fuentes · Answer

Being a MAN getting shit done and taking care of shit with the whole world on ur back. No bitching and no tears just get your ass over that hump, wall or mountain no excuses.

Vegasrunner · Answer

1. Stand on your word
2. Must be viewed by other real men as a real man.
3. Have the abilty to provide Value to those around you.
4. Be accountable
5. Be competive but have the ability to embrace defeat or rejection.

JessieBellll · Answer

There's no such definition. It varies from person to person. Real men to me are men who are fair but strict, have no bias or prejudice, and are not ashamed of who they are and what they like.

RationalMale · Answer

A real man needs to be independent, prepared for the future, planning to move up in life, have control over his emotions, and be able to kill to protect himself or his loved ones if the situation requires it.

HaveNoName · Answer

To be a provider and protector of his wife and kids. While doing that, to also be the pillar for his aging parents and to support his wife to be the same for her parents when they need her.

Rockstarrrrr · Answer

Yeah Clint looks like a real man with that pose xD

exitseven · Answer

A guy that can take care of himself and his family and friends.

Shehnaz · Answer

A real man for me would be someone who has and displays chivalry.

Jabberjaw · Answer

Having a code and living by it come hell or high-water

globetrotter22 · Answer

Whatever it is to be a man it isn’t what feminists say it is. That’s for damn sure.

LinkxPeach · Answer

To not sexually abuse, and rape males. Whether your gay, or not. To go to jail for the crimes you commit. To get beat up for bullying people.

ChefPapiChulo · Answer

depends on the culture. clint eastwood is playing a character in a move and while you can define your superego based on a movie, it's not healthy.

Better_off_here · Answer

one who respects women respects other people too, and has the guts to be themselves with others. one who also is able to be honest and hold a job and take care of his family.

invalid1 · Answer

it means bullshit women pass to men, and men pass among themselves. We're all real men.

Adronicus · Answer

Protect & provide for the ones I love. New societal standards be damned.

McKellar · Answer

I'm sure there are many people who have their own interpretations of their own required thoughts of being a "real man".

Anonymous · Answer

Not letting anyone else tell them what it means to be a real man.

Anonymous · Answer

It means not giving a fuck what anyone else thinks it means, especially women, and especially feminists most of all.

NathanDavis · Answer

growing up... I wanted to be like Godzilla

notwoke · Answer

the definition is the exact opposite of all the woke shit floating around

Slim57 · Answer

A man who defines himself and isn't defined by others

Anonymous · Answer

Means you are real, not a videogame or anime character.

ZenoZoldyck · Answer

I won't tell you, But I can tell that you're not real man since you're asking

Anonymous · Answer

Whatever society tells you what a man is.. don’t listen.

What does it mean to be a real man to you?

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