Guys Reveal the Moment They Really Felt Like Men

I’m a man. At least on paper. Most days I feel more like a confused kid, or perhaps some kind of forgotten species of weasel whose forthcoming extinction will go unheralded.

I’ve always been a little jealous of the sorts of people who really feel like they’ve got a firm and comfortable grasp on who they are – on what their identity is.

But reading through these submissions on what moments made guys feel like “real men,” I realized something that might just qualify as important. I realized that I’ve had a lot of these experiences too, and they did feel really good. And that that sort of confidence boost probably just isn’t permanent – security comes and goes. And that’s alright. And it’s alright to take note of the moments that make you feel proud.

20. Moving out

And definitely movin’ on up.

19. What’s mine is yours

Not sure why this is accompanied by a picture of a dog leash but I’m not here to judge.

18. Working out

Man, I REALLY gotta start doing this again.

17. I’ll drink to that

If I remember right my first beer purchase was something horribly embarrassing.

16. Vote and tote

Two out of three ain’t bad.

15. Friendly advice

It’s a little frightening and a lot empowering.

14. By the self

Yeah, agreed.

13. Family dinner

“So, do you have any siblings?”

12. Bringing forth

It’s gotta feel so invigorating and so intimidating.

11. A helping hand

That’s awesome.

10. A double header

“She’s my girlfriend now.”

9. Housewarming

MAN, that must be nice.

8. All the furnishings

That sticker shock is really something else though.

7. Serious business

Kind of amazes me we’re still doing this much jet-setting around when we can easily video conference.

6. If I may inject

I feel ya, dude. Every time I get blood drawn I immediately feel like I’m gonna pass out.

5. Jack of all Trades

But are you the master of any?

4. Soldier on

Thank you for your service.

3. Trudge back

It may not sound like much, but you have no idea how painful that can be.

2. Movin’ out

And movin’ on.

1. A sporting chance

Um, are you talking about the Olympics?

It’s nice to feel like you’ve really come into your own.

Have you had a moment like that in your life?

Tell us about it in the comments.