Understanding

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

"Probably understanding. Just to be understanding of other peoples feelings, You know I have been married now for eight years. You have to be put other people's emotions before your own sometimes or pick up on, you know when my wife is having a bad day or when my kid is feeling upset, anxious, or tired because he's two.

Also to have an open mind and be learning. Just in my experience, I don't know I grew up a little more closed minded at times.  And the older I've gotten, and the more I've learned and had interactions with people that think, believe, and do things differently than me, the more rich my life experiences have become. And like talking to people that I disagree with it's perfect, you learn so much more about yourself and so much more about the world at large. It's something I wish I would have done sooner. I grew up fairly conservative Christian. That influenced allot of my life as far as being closed minded to these people or those people or whatever because of what I was taught or what I was brought up near. I think that always be learning and understanding. That's not just being a man, that's being mankind or humankind. If you are always thinking and always learning, I think it's probably a good thing; that's the point of being alive.  Enjoy a new experience or learn something you never knew. " 

Word: Understanding
Occupation: Home Inspector
Age: 31
From: Kansas City, Missouri

View fullsize

Would you describe yourself as an emotional man? If so would you like that to change?

"Yea I am an emotional man. I have been since I was a little kid. I was very sensitive growing up and no I don't think I would change it. There are times that maybe I wish I would have because as a young kid growing up I got picked on. Ah I guess everybody got picked on... but you know I took it to heart allot and I let my emotions kinda guide me and rule my life and I'll be candid I have been going to therapy for some emotional things and there are other things I would rather not talk about, but I am happy with being an emotional man.  I don't see it as a fault of character.

I want to be able to empathize with people at an emotional level and I want to be in touch with my emotions so I can do that.  I think being an emotional male isn't a negative stereotype or anything like that. I am friends with men who are closed off to their emotions and a lot of times it leads to horrible things like drugs, alcohol, and suicidal things or suicide. I mean you can go to dark places if you're not at least trying to communicate with your emotions and if you need help to do that by all means do. 

My advice to other men is if you feel terrible or something or you feel like your emotions are eating you up man, talk to somebody about it seriously.  That's the other thing there is a stigma about therapy and it is embarrassing to talk about I don't want to tell people I am in therapy. I am trying to be more open about it though because it can change people's mind."

Pure

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 pure because I want to see God. A person with a pure heart will see God. When a man's heart is pure he is able to accomplish anything."

Word: Pure
Occupation: Luthier/Guitar Builder
Age: 51
From: Kansas City, M

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why? 

"My you pastor when I was in high school. When I think back I recall how he showed me Jesus like no one else could. Because of his testimony, I found Jesus."

Authenticity

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

"I would choose authenticity, because, loving those closest to me means being emotionally and mentally present. To me, authenticity is the way to do that. By being authentic I allow those around me to know who I am at my core. "

Word: Authentic
Occupation: Undisclosed
Age: 33
From: Leawood, K

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"I would say my grandfather Wayne. He loved well and shared from his heart. His faith and family came first, being real with those around him. I loved his wisdom, peace, and clarity. He was authentic when I needed it most."

Wall

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

"When I think of one word that describes what it means to be a man, I see a wall. It's more of a picture than just a word and it's not just any wall, either, the bulwark, almost fortress-like not some sheetrock and 2x4 studs. The idea behind the picture in my mind is that a man guards and protects all that he has within his sphere of influence, the people and things that were put in his care. There is a duality to the idea, though, a man is a strong and formidable obstacle to any force outside of those whom he defends and protects. When he is in good condition, he is not easily overcome by the threat of those outside forces. At the same time, though, he is a protective force for those people on the inside of his care.  Often, those cared for will at some point test the limits of his protection and defense and want to go beyond what they are capable of properly handling or should even attempt to handle. In this case, this wall is now a protection for the people in its care, from themselves. I think of things like a young teenage daughter who wants to be romantically involved with a man or an extremely angry and emotional friend who is about to commit the destructive act they would regret once they regain their senses. A wall like this is a formidable obstacle to those within its influence. Running into the wall a couple times and having it not move may possibly delay somebody long enough to help them think through the cost of their decisions. A man like this essentially says to those on the inside and outside of his care, "If you're going to get to XYZ, you've got to go through me first!"  I know it's a bit strange, but that's what I see. "

Word: Wall
Occupation: Entrepreneur/Business Development
Age:35
From: Kansas City, M

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"Well, no disrespect to her, and in fact, it's actually the opposite. The manliest person I know, especially regarding my own one-word description, would have to be my older sister. She has always been that protective barrier from the outside threats and that "check-yo-self before you wreck-yo-self" influence, not just to me but to numerous people throughout my life. There was never any man in my life who acted as that force until years later, but my sister has almost always been it. Probably even before I can remember.  I'm thankful, though, for her sake now, because she can let that down more and my brother-in-law can help out. Although it wasn't necessarily her role to play, she did it well and I highly respect and love her for it. "

Intentional

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

" I would choose intentional. As a man, I want to live in a way where I consider the best choices for my family, my time, my finances, etc - and choose, on purpose, rather than letting life happen to me. A true man to me is not just one who acts, but does so out of wisdom and by intent."

Word: Intentional
Occupation: Realtor & Home Inspector
Age: 35
From: Kansas City, MO

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"John Patton. Part of his story is that he turned down living in his dream home and location, a raise of 3x his current income, and moved his family half-way across the country because it was the best thing for his family and was obeying the Lord's leading. He was intentional about decisions in his life, including huge ones that weren't favorable in the eyes of most people. Those closest to him benefitted the most."

Love

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

"I would choose love because, I think that being a man, a true man, can be summed up in love. Love is what gives life, and love is what provides opportunity for flourishing. If a man is operating, living and leading the ways he was designed to, then there will be lots of flourishing around him."

Word: Love
Occupation: Marketing Specialist
Age: 25
From: Kansas City, M

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"I would say Patrick Magers. The way he loves his wife, works with excellence and integrity and how he gives himself to others, he is the vision of a true man to me. Love and pouring oneself out."

Real

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 real, because the older I've gotten, the more I've realized the lack of pure, genuine people in the world. Now that I'm married and someone's husband, one of the only feelings that stays true is being real, raw, and unhindered by fear or risk. I hit this point when I was twenty four where I "Woke Up" and realized that everything I had done in life up until that point was "safe". I promised myself that from that point on, I was gonna live my life authentically, even if it wasn't safe."

Word: Real
Occupation: Car Salesman/Barista
Age: 26
From: Kansas City, MO

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"My grandfather. The guy is a badass. Fought in two wars and even though he was never super soft or affectionate, I've always known he deeply cared for me and would do anything for me."

Present

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

"I would choose present. Men should be present in every moment, whether it be at work, at home, or sharing moments with someone significant. They take advantage of the moment, live it up, and share it with others."

Word: Present
Occupation: Preschool Teacher
Age: 27
From: Kansas City, MO

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"I would say my friend Derrick because he demonstrates loyalty, strength, and integrity with each person. He lives in the moment and it takes him to grand places."

Self-Control

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

"I would choose self-control. Proverbs 25:28(paraphrased) says "A man without self-control is like a city without walls." I believe a man with self-control can thrive in the other qualities of being a man. To have self-control is to have a heart that is secure and fortified from everything that attacks and brings down a man."

Word: Self-control
Occupation: Photographer( http://www.stevewillisphoto.com )
Age: 44
From: Kansas City, Missouri

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"I would say Mike Bickle. Rare is the man who actually practices what he preaches, Mike does this with excellence. For decades this man has prayed six hours a day, loved his wife well, leads incredibly, and is humble."

Astonishing

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

"Astonishing"

Word: Astonishing
Occupation: Undisclosed
Age: 30
From: Copenhagen

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"Salman Khan. He's an actor in India. He is the manliest person because he respects all others, specially older people, and women."

Determination

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

"I would choose determination because whatever you may be put through if you stay determined you can always make it."

Word: Determination
Occupation: Vagabond Musician
Age: 24
From: N/A (He was on a trip around the world)

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know?

"Louis Armstrong"

Empathy

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

"I would choose empathy because it gets you a long way as any gender."

Word: Empathy
Occupation: Singer/Songwriter
Age: 28
From: Sweden

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"Me."

Love

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

"I would choose love, because love is the right and most honorable thing to do in every situation."

Word: Love
Occupation: Nurse
Age: 33
From: Kansas City, MO

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"My Grandpa. He lived a life loving all types of people. Ultimately, this excluded him from other circles."

Champion

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

"I would say champion, because a true champion is a champion in everything that he does, from the way he ties his shoelaces, the way he brushes his teeth, the way he treats others, and everything in between.  In the same way, a man must be disciplined in all his ways to give his best. A champion also fights for the causes of others. A man must fight for his family, his friends, and people who can't fight for themselves. 

Word: Champion
Occupation: Parts Advisor
Age: 26
From: Phoenix, AZ

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"My father, because he has always puts his family and others before himself. He has fought many times on my behalf. He has sacrificed many things in order for others to be bettered. The gifts that he has given me are the examples of his character for me to follow."

Dichotomy

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

"I would choose dichotomy. Because being a man is a dichotomy. We are expected to be strong yet weak, be a provider and protector while also being loving and nurturing. Strong in the face of hardship, yet soft and emotional at times as well. At its core, being a man is the expectation to be things which are in opposition to other things which we are expected to be."

Word: Dichotomy
Occupation: Private Practice Therapist & Writer
Age: 39
From: Paola, K

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"My paternal grandfather. He was a WWII vet, small business owner, and grew up on a farm. He was one of the toughest men I've ever known. Yet his kindness and love he showed still impacts my life twenty years after his death."

Loyalty

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

"I chose loyalty because it is becoming less and less common among men.  When a man is disloyal he loses an aspect of who he is.  True manhood means following through on your commitments, and remaining loyal to those who are entrusted to you."

Word: Loyalty
Occupation: Student/Music Director
Age: 32
From: Grandview, M

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"My dad has shaped my idea of what it means to be a man more than anyone I know. He has exemplified what it means to be loyal, to his wife, his children, and the importance of being true to yourself."

Integrity

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

    "I chose integrity because I think the manliest thing a man can do is set a good example for all those in his life and around him and without integrity one cannot set a good example for others.  Integrity to me is being true to your word the best you can, doing what’s right even though another way may be more convenient, taking responsibility when you could just as easy pass the buck to someone else, and staying true to who you are at your core even when the world tries its best to bring you down to its level. Without integrity in his life a man is but a shell of what he can truly be."

Word: Integrity
Occupation: Warehouse Worker
Age: 28
From: Mankato, MN

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

    "The manliest man I know is without a doubt my father.  He’s been the guiding light in my life and through his teachings I’ve learned many things. He has taught me to be myself, to be a good and hardworking person, and at the end of the day as long as I’ve tried my best that is the main thing that matters. So when you try and put that all into one word, the only word I can think of is; Integrity.  That is why my father is the manliest man I know, he’s the one that taught me integrity above all else."

Invincible

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

"I chose invincible because, in my mind, when I think about what it means to be a "man" many words come to mind, however, "invincible" covers a lot.  It encompasses protector, leader, provider, cant be defeated, can fix anything, sound thinking, and has always been a way of describing my dad as a child."

Word: Invincible
Occupation: Occupational Therapist
Age: 25
From: Minneapolis, M

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"My dad, because he has always been someone I looked up to, can fix anything, provides for our family, protector, comes across tough/quiet but really is a softy. Especially when it comes to my sister and I. He would give/do anything to see us happy and cared for. Growing up I always saw him as invincible."

Faithful

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

"I would say faithful, because we make contracts every day with our words and actions. As a man you need to be true, respectful and honorable. I see this all stemming from being faithful to yourself and others around you. Steadfast adherence to your words, actions, character and the people in your life.  Being faithful is also about being able to trust others as well, we can never know all the answers to life."

Word: Faithful
Occupation: Senior Front End Design
Age: 27
From: Minneapolis, M

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"Probably a sappy answer but I'm going to say, my father.  Everybody's different, and he may not be the cultural epitome of a super masculine man, but on all accounts, he is solid, honest, loving, true and faithful to his ideals and the people in his life."

Respect

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

"I would say respect, because men I feel, innately embrace the concept of respect and build who they are and how they treat others around respect.  We interact around how we respect each other. A better way to put it is respect is the language of men.  Consider how men react when they feel they are being disrespected, it is almost an affront to who they are."

Word: Respect
Occupation: IT
Age: 27
From: Mankato, MN

View fullsize

Who is the manliest person you know and why?

"Myself, because it has taken me a little over 27 years to know myself and I'm still working on that. With that in mind, I am the only one I truly "know."