“masculinity is hard. Gruff.” - just the writers opinion. not in any definition I’ve seen of the word.
Not one I agree with.
I've watched Trump with around Melania and while he is hands down an alpha male, he is so kind and attentive to her.
You can see that he's always got his eye on her making sure she feels safe and comfortable.
It's those little gestures. Walking with her, hand on her back, focusing on other people, and then turning to her and giving her a little attention.
He acts very protective towards her and seems genuinely concerned with her well being.
Any woman would MELT in a man's arms for that kind of treatment.
Many don’t like James Dobson, but I’m fine with him. I’m pretty sure it was him who defined masculinity this way:
1. A battle to fight.
2. An adventure to live.
3. A beauty to rescue.
I love that definition, and in addition, I’ve got three popular fictional characters who I believe show how to be an American “man”:
John Wayne (his tough, no-nonsense, good-guy characters)
Andy Griffith as Andy Taylor (smart, friendly, and unassuming)
Hugh Beaumont as Ward Cleaver (great Dad, mistakes and all)
And the real man? Jesus. Tough, focused, wise. Did what needed to be done, without variation. Up to, and including giving his life for us.
Not saying I’ve been able to live up to those standards all my life, but I actively try. It ain’t easy, but those are the characteristics my wife of 34 years loves. And she is very nice.