If you were to describe what it means to be a man in one word, what would it be and why?
"I chose effort because it’s not easy to “man up”. The weakest men I have known seem to avoid work as much as possible. It requires effort to build a life that you’re proud of. It’s natural for men to work. For me, I feel at my best when I have something of a burden to bear, and I know this isn’t uncommon."
Word: Effort
Occupation: Image Consultant
Age: 28
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Who is the manliest person you know and why?
"My father. That sounds so generic and but it’s most men’s answer for a good reason. Viewing the way your father interacts with the world and handles himself is usually your first observation of masculinity, and it rubs off on you. My dad had a strong sense of duty and compassion for others. I can’t remember a single time he has ever complained about anything. He’s the most stoic man I know.”
What advice would you give your younger self about masculinity?
“My younger self would have never listened to anyone about anything. I would have told him to stop chasing pleasure, or to aim higher. I always picked the low hanging fruit when I was younger. It made me soft. I had a lot of catch up to do later on in life. I’m still working on bettering my relationship with life and what it means to be a man as I move through it. “
