Consistent

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be?

"I chose consistent, because man giving his word needs to be an absolute. Follow through is essential, and when a man says either yes or no, he needs to mean it. We're living in a world where we see less and less of this, and it needs to change."

Word: Consistent
Occupation: Communications Specialist
Age: 29
From: Mankato, MN

Man holding a sign that says consistent.

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"My good friend/mentor of mine named Darren. He's one of the most dependable friends I have. He's honest, trustworthy, and Godly. Literally this guy would give the shirt off his back to the person in need. One of the best living examples of a man."

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Rock

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"I would choose the word rock. A rock is firm. When it is formed, it is not easily shaped by its surrounding elements. Like a man, a rock can be moved, broken, and turned. They also listen, remain strong, endure and last. A rock at a river bottom stands against the current, while also getting all its rough jagged edges smoothed out."

Word: Solid
Occupation: Traveling Phlebotomist
Age:23
From: North Mankato, MN

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"My grandfather John. He has presented to me the most manliness. He is big and strong but also gentle and soft. He cares for others but protects his wife. He supports my decisions but leads my intuition."

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Solid

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"Solid."

Why? "I see the role of men in our homes, communities, and world as foundational. Women and children need solidness to undergird everything they do. If the foundation is not solid, nothing else is solid. The most elaborate house built on a cracked weak foundation can/will come apart."

Word: Solid
Occupation: Homemaker
Age: 54
From: Mankato, MN

Woman holding a sign that says solid while also holding a pan of cookies.

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"My dad. In spite of his many flaws, shortcomings, and cracked foundation(his father). He has done his best to be solid and strong for me. He chased away the monsters when he was able."

חַיִל (valor/force)

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"חַיִל or chayil"

Why that word? "The man who rises up to who he was designed to engage his community and his environment. He doesn't give up or turn back when there is resistance, but he bravely revises how he will use the resources at his disposal to improve the world."

Word: חַיִל or chayil
Occupation: Asst. CIO
Age: 62
From: Mankato, MN

Man holding a sign with a hebrew word written on it.

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"Ken E. He is my adopted father, farmed until he turned 90, and is more alive with chayil than most humans I know. "

Responsible

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"Responsibility" Why? "A man must be dependable, reliable, caring, and compassionate. All these words make a man responsible."

Word: Responsible
Occupation: Teacher
Age: 56
From: Independence, MO

Man holding a sign that says responsible.

Who is the manliest person you know? "My father." Why? "He is strong yet caring and compassionate. Loving yet stern. A man of character."

Note from the man post seeing his picture "After Viewing my profile on the website, I discovered I spelled responsible wrong. I think it is humorous and somewhat embarrassing as I am a teacher. Then I began to think: "what should a man do when you make a mistake?" The answer, you take responsibility for it. As a man, try to find humor in your embarrassment, and own your mistakes and learn from them."

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Servanthood

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"I chose servanthood because in my life all of the men that have made a significant impact on me and the people around them have been incredible servants. I think the sign of a true leader is someone that puts others first. Either in marriage, singleness, or business. If you are able to put others first, regardless of their qualifications, you are exhibiting great manhood.

Word: Servanthood
Occupation: Writer/Blogger (www.theeverydayfamilyman.com)
Age: 23
From: Kansas City, M

Who is the manliest person you know?

"My father. In my life, my father has shown incredible "manliness" and servanthood to me. He married my mom when I was 11 and has continually put our family's interests and needs before his. He is the hardest worker that I know and is incredible "serving" with how he uses that money to support my mom and sister. He knows that to lead my mom and raise my sister well he has to support them by serving. I hope to be as hard of a worker and server as he continues to be."

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Loyal

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"I chose loyal because it's always good to be loyal to someone or something."

Word: Loyal
Occupation: Green County Hwy Dept.
Age: 46
From: Strafford, MO

Man sitting on a motorcycle holding a sign that says loyal.

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Integrity

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

This man chose not to disclose his reason.

Word: Integrity
Occupation: Undisclosed
Age: 45
From: Springfield, MO

Man holding a sign that says integrity while standing and having his arm around a woman.

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Honorable

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"You are only as good as your word."

Word: Honorable
Occupation: Trucker/Biker
Age: 47
From: Republic, MO

Man sitting on a motorcycle holding a sign that says honorable.

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Awesome

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"I would choose awesome because we are awesome."

Word: Awesome
Occupation: Undisclosed
Age: 55
From: Fordland: MO

Man sitting on a motorcycle holding a sign that says awesome.

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If you were to ask a couple of men to give you their own definition of masculinity, what are the odds that you’ll end up with the same answer? You’re guessing right: a good, round zero. Neither you nor anyone else will ever be taught at school, or in a manual, what masculinity precisely means, and that is for a good reason. Because we can be a man in so many different ways, each one of us has to come up with his own definition, see if it holds any value, and these types of variables are exactly what started me on my journey.

Thoughts and reflections upon the topic of perseverance.

This is and has been a fascinating month for me personally and one I will look back upon in the future with a smile and a warm heart.

You see, for years I have worked on, spent countless hours, had endless conversations, and wondered why I continue devoting myself to The Man Effect. In this pursuit I have desired to encourage others, find answers for myself, and just be a man who is passionate about life.

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During these very unique times of life, hardship for many humans is being created due to the pandemic. I felt it would be an appropriate time to ask for the wisdom of men whom I respect to answer questions around how to handle hardship and difficult times.

The way it is formatted is I will introduce each man who has answered the questions and you will also see ways to find out more about them as well.

I hope you find encouragement, wisdom, and hope in the answers written to these questions.

Thoughts and discussion around self-forgiveness.

Have you ever asked yourself, “How do I forgive myself?” It is a difficult and amazing question all at the same time. Recently, after one of the darkest years of my life, I have started to ask myself this question a lot and I am amazed by the amount of impact it has had on me.

What is masculinity? That's a question every man should be asking himself.

The Start

What is masculinity? This question is a core reason why I started this blog and photography project here at The Man Effect. I have been pursuing and exploring this question for years. I love it and the ramifications on my life it has had.

Masculinity, manliness, and the nature of men are not only something that I believe every human should take the time to ponder on. As humans, it is also something we should conceptualize and analyze the belief of how men exist and represent themselves in immediate and extended communities.

Moving forward, I think it would be appropriate to build some foundation of a definition before we proceed with the importance and impact this question can and does have on our lives if we are open to going down this path.

15 Questions and Answers About Masculinity

Questioning what it means to be a man is something that I would consider to be a foundation to this website. So, in honor of that, I decided to compile 15 questions about masculinity that I have seen and heard asked often.

Now, before we jump into these questions, I would like to explain how the answers were created. I chose to ask four men who I respect to take time and share their wisdom. The next thing I will do is introduce them so you know a bit about the men behind these words.

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“Believe in yourself, take on your challenges, dig deep within yourself to conquer fears. Never let anyone bring you down. You got to keep going. “ ~ Chantal Sutherland

Testosterone

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would ti be and why?

He chose not to give his why.

Word: Testosterone
Occupation: Self
Age: 41
From: Republic, MO

Muscular man holding a a sign that says testosterone while standing by a motorcycle.

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Patience

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"Every aspect of being a man takes patience.... ever aspect. Grow a beard, sharpen a knife, learn to drive stick, fall a tree.... All take patience some more than others."

Word: Patience
Occupation: I fix stuff
Age: 42
From: Springfield, MO

Man sitting in a van holding a sign that says patience.

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Responsibility

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"A man should be able to take care of his responsibility."

Word: Responsibility
Occupation: Undisclosed
Age: 21
From: Overland Park, KS

Young man holding a sign that says responsibility.

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Adventure

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"It's what I do. The spirit of adventure and the openness that you have to experience it. You have to be humble, open, and flexible. You need to have the courage to make decisions and deal with what you have decided."

Word: Adventure
Occupation: Skate Shop Owner
Age: 35
From: Kansas City, MO

Man holding a sign that says adventure while a skateboard leans against him.

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Lessons I've learned from a traumatic brain injury and why discomfort in life is so important.

Respectful

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"I think if you can't respect others opinions and understand others enough to respect them then you don't deserve to be a man."

Word: Respect
Occupation: Skater
Age: 17
From: Kansas City, MO

Young man holding a sign that says respectful.

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Protect

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"I have always been taught to help, love, and protect my fellow man by my mother. My mother always wanted me to grow into a good man."

Word: Protect
Age: 18
Occupation: Gymnastics Coach
From: Kansas City, MO

Young man leaning against a pole while holding a sign that says protect.

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Pride

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"All men have pride and make it very obvious."

Word: Pride
Occupation: Carhop Sonic Drive-In
Age: 18
From: Kansas City, MO

Young man holding a sign that says pride.

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Competitiveness

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"I chose competitiveness because part of being a man is trying to keep ahead of the rest."

Word: Competitiveness
Occupation: Barista
Age: 18
From: Kansas City, MO

Young man holding a sign that says competitiveness.

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Thoughts and reflections upon the topic of perseverance.

12 Questions And Answers About Living Through Hard Times

Thoughts and discussion around self-forgiveness.

What is masculinity? That's a question every man should be asking himself.

15 Questions and Answers About Masculinity

Lessons I've learned from a traumatic brain injury and why discomfort in life is so important.

Connected

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"The only way to understand masculinity is in contexts of our own self, a context of our community, and context of eternity."

Word: Connected
Occupation: Researcher
Age:48
From: Raytown, MO

Man holding a  sign that says connected.

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Thoughts around why life will never be fair to you.

I honestly feel a bit like an old grumpy man writing this, even though I am in my early thirties it has become extremely apparent to me that there is this mystical belief ingrained in western societies that everything we desire should be handed to us on a silver platter and when things don’t work out exactly how we want, then the best resort is to become a victim and not look deeply into the fact that our lives literally mean nothing to this world and we are entitled nothing.

Men should manage their time better and here are 3 reasons why.

As much as it may seem out of the traditional scope of what being a man is, there is nothing I find more valuable than being neat and tidy about my time. Personally and professionally, I attribute nearly all of my abilities to show up as a man to my discipline within my calendar. And so, this is why I wanted to share with you that us men should always strive to manage our time better, and why.

Is Masculinity Part of Male Identity?

If you were to ask a couple of men to give you their own definition of masculinity, what are the odds that you’ll end up with the same answer? You’re guessing right: a good, round zero. Neither you nor anyone else will ever be taught at school, or in a manual, what masculinity precisely means, and that is for a good reason. Because we can be a man in so many different ways, each one of us has to come up with his own definition, see if it holds any value, and these types of variables are exactly what started me on my journey.

Thoughts and reflections upon the topic of perseverance.

This is and has been a fascinating month for me personally and one I will look back upon in the future with a smile and a warm heart.

You see, for years I have worked on, spent countless hours, had endless conversations, and wondered why I continue devoting myself to The Man Effect. In this pursuit I have desired to encourage others, find answers for myself, and just be a man who is passionate about life.

12 Questions And Answers About Living Through Hard Times

During these very unique times of life, hardship for many humans is being created due to the pandemic. I felt it would be an appropriate time to ask for the wisdom of men whom I respect to answer questions around how to handle hardship and difficult times.

The way it is formatted is I will introduce each man who has answered the questions and you will also see ways to find out more about them as well.

I hope you find encouragement, wisdom, and hope in the answers written to these questions.

Thoughts and discussion around self-forgiveness.

Have you ever asked yourself, “How do I forgive myself?” It is a difficult and amazing question all at the same time. Recently, after one of the darkest years of my life, I have started to ask myself this question a lot and I am amazed by the amount of impact it has had on me.

What is masculinity? That's a question every man should be asking himself.

The Start

What is masculinity? This question is a core reason why I started this blog and photography project here at The Man Effect. I have been pursuing and exploring this question for years. I love it and the ramifications on my life it has had.

Masculinity, manliness, and the nature of men are not only something that I believe every human should take the time to ponder on. As humans, it is also something we should conceptualize and analyze the belief of how men exist and represent themselves in immediate and extended communities.

Moving forward, I think it would be appropriate to build some foundation of a definition before we proceed with the importance and impact this question can and does have on our lives if we are open to going down this path.

15 Questions and Answers About Masculinity

Questioning what it means to be a man is something that I would consider to be a foundation to this website. So, in honor of that, I decided to compile 15 questions about masculinity that I have seen and heard asked often.

Now, before we jump into these questions, I would like to explain how the answers were created. I chose to ask four men who I respect to take time and share their wisdom. The next thing I will do is introduce them so you know a bit about the men behind these words.

Lessons I've learned from a traumatic brain injury and why discomfort in life is so important.

I am writing this article for two predominant reasons. One, so I can have a tangible point of reference when I reflect upon this season of life I have been through. Two, the possibility that the lessons I have learned may inspire one person to not give up on life as struggles confront them.

“Believe in yourself, take on your challenges, dig deep within yourself to conquer fears. Never let anyone bring you down. You got to keep going. “ ~ Chantal Sutherland

Honest

If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?

"A real man has nothing to hide, he has his heart to share, and wisdom to give. Honesty defines those things. Openness and vulnerability is core to honesty - something vital in forming value-driven relationships."

Word: Honest
Occupation: GOEX Services Account Mgr.
Age: 31
From: Kansas City, MO