The Measure of a Man

“Chivalry is dead.”

“There aren’t any real men left in this world.”

“I don’t need a man.”

Simply words. Words by people who are looking, but maybe not seeing what is actually around them. I don’t believe chivalry is dead, although sometimes it may be hard to see.

What does it mean to be a man? As a man who do I hope to become and what do I hope to do? I’ve compiled a few things, my opinion, on the measure of a man.

A man is gentle, daring, aggressive, loving and potent.
A man is good at his work.
A man stands in front of those he loves.
A man knows how to love and knows how to be respectful in a group of people.
A man is there for his friends and his family when they need him, but mostly when they don’t.
A man is true to his word.
A man understands himself, his values, his goals, and his aspirations.

I am a man. And as a man, …

I vow to open the door for every lady in my vicinity.
I vow to remove my hat when speaking with a lady.
I vow to give up my seat for a lady in my presence, on a bus or in public space.
I vow to respect my elders.
I vow to love, and love with all I can.
I vow to give my life for the things that I love: my God, my country, my family, my friends, and my alma mater.
I vow to be the best man that I can be.

Chivalry may be dying, but it isn’t going to be because of me.