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.
Source: Whisper
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.
Source: Whisper
18. Working out
Man, I REALLY gotta start doing this again.
Source: Whisper
17. I’ll drink to that
If I remember right my first beer purchase was something horribly embarrassing.
Source: Whisper
16. Vote and tote
Two out of three ain’t bad.
Source: Whisper
15. Friendly advice
It’s a little frightening and a lot empowering.
Source: Whisper
14. By the self
Yeah, agreed.
Source: Whisper
13. Family dinner
“So, do you have any siblings?”
Source: Whisper
12. Bringing forth
It’s gotta feel so invigorating and so intimidating.
Source: Whisper
11. A helping hand
That’s awesome.
Source: Whisper
10. A double header
“She’s my girlfriend now.”
Source: Whisper
9. Housewarming
MAN, that must be nice.
Source: Whisper
8. All the furnishings
That sticker shock is really something else though.
Source: Whisper
7. Serious business
Kind of amazes me we’re still doing this much jet-setting around when we can easily video conference.
Source: Whisper
6. If I may inject
I feel ya, dude. Every time I get blood drawn I immediately feel like I’m gonna pass out.
Source: Whisper
5. Jack of all Trades
But are you the master of any?
Source: Whisper
4. Soldier on
Thank you for your service.
Source: Whisper
3. Trudge back
It may not sound like much, but you have no idea how painful that can be.
Source: Whisper
2. Movin’ out
And movin’ on.
Source: Whisper
1. A sporting chance
Um, are you talking about the Olympics?
Source: Whisper
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.