But let's be honest: a man who can cry, who can say, "I'm scared" or "I'm hurt," who can show that he has emotions he can't control—that's the strongest man I know.

Because vulnerability isn't weakness. It's courage.

I've met guys who were "strong." They didn't talk about their feelings, didn't show weakness, they were always in control. You know how it ended for me? I felt like a mercenary in his life. I was there, but I wasn't needed. Because he was invulnerable, and therefore, independent of what I gave.

But a guy who can allow himself to be sad around me, who can say, "Your opinion matters to me," who doesn't pretend to be in control—with him, I feel like a human being. Not support, not decoration, but a partner.

And here's what I've noticed: men are afraid to show emotions because they've been taught that it makes them less masculine. This is one of the saddest mistakes in parenting.

But I'll tell you, a guy who can cry at a movie, who can say, "I don't know what to do," who isn't afraid of his feelings—that's a guy who can truly love. Not according to a script, not according to rules, but just like that, with all his heart.

If you're reading this and thinking, "But I'm a man, I can't be like that," you're wrong. You simply haven't met a girl who appreciates that. Because she exists. And she'll be more grateful for your honesty than any pretense. 💙