Stereotypical Man
Let me begin by stating that I come from a small family: Mom, Dad, and one brother. I went to public school in a city outside of Dallas, Texas. I grew up playing soccer and a bit of baseball, but never really played anything else. Most of my time was spent hanging out with my friends. So, when I say I am not your stereotypical man I am not lying. I will try to explain why by debunking some common misconceptions about men.
1. Cannot or will not do laundry or household duties
I have been doing my own laundry since I was 8 years old while I stayed home alone during the summer months. At the same time, I also learned how to clean house. I would not say I am a “clean freak” (although my wife calls me one), but I am particular about how I like certain things done around the house. I am most definitely not above cleaning the toilet, sink, windows, floors, etc., while I wait on a load of laundry.
2. Live to get drunk and talk about it
I guess a good buzz can be fun and can help others relax, but I do not consume beer, alcohol or illegal substances. Now do not get me wrong, I have been there done that, but it was just not for me. I do not see it fitting into the role model I want to be for my kids.
3. Master craftsman or mechanic
Why is that most people think that if you carry testosterone in your body then you should also carry a tool box? I have never been good at tearing apart and putting back together a vehicle. I cannot even really justify an oil change on our cars. It is just not something I want to do. I see value in paying the professionals to do it. Or asking my father-in-law to help me out.
4. All-American Athlete
Sports? Well, I like to watch football. I will follow local sports teams by reading along online, but that is about it. I did not play sports in high school and have only played one season of softball outside of school. I watched my wife play for about 10 years. Now we enjoy sports on the couch together.
5. Alpha Male
I am not the Alpha male in any way, shape, or form. I do not really care if you think you are better than me. I know my place on this earth and I am simply here living it out the best I can.
6. Not emotional
Please, I have met plenty of men that have bawled their eyes out… but will never admit it. Me? I have no problem showing my sensitive side. My favorite movie? The Notebook. There. I said it.
7. Plays video games all the time
If I was to think about it, I did play a lot of video games when I was younger. Back then, Nintendo 64 was all the rage and my friends and I would play. But, now I just do not the have the time. And, if and when I do play, it is because the kids have asked me to join them. They do not really spend a lot of time playing either, so it is not a passion of mine anymore.
Boring as I may have become in the eyes of some, I am not striving to be much more than a loving husband to my wife and an adoring father to my children.
I cook. I clean. I cry.
I am not your stereotypical man. And I am okay with that.