The Men: In My Life

                                       

                                     

Hello ! To the world by my word ,

Growing up in a family full of strong, independent women, I often wondered—do we really need men in our lives? Women today are capable of everything: managing households, running successful businesses, winning Olympic medals, and breaking barriers once deemed impossible. God created us to be intelligent, resilient, and powerful beings. So, as a child, the question lingered in my mind: where do men fit into this picture?

As I grew older, my perspective began to evolve. I started noticing things I hadn’t before. Men aren’t just the protectors society often labels them to be, nor are they the villains in every story. They are far more complex and layered than stereotypes suggest. And the truth is—we do need men. Not because women can’t live without them, but because they bring a unique kind of love, strength, humor and care into our lives.

 At first glance, men seem to live up to the stereotypical image of being strong, broad-shouldered, and rough around the edges. They project an air of confidence, toughness, and composure, as if nothing can break them. But if you look closely—if you really get to know the men in your life—you begin to see a deeper side.

These seemingly strong and confident individuals often carry their burdens silently, never wanting to worry others. They’re taught from a young age to suppress their emotions, to “man up,” and to show the world nothing but strength. But that doesn’t mean they don’t feel. As Zakir Khan’s poetry so beautifully conveys, beneath their exterior lies a well of emotions—love, guilt, pain, and joy—just waiting for a safe space to surface.

     But let’s not give them too much credit just yet—men aren’t all about quiet strength and silent protection. Oh no, let’s talk about their other side, the one that makes them wonderfully human and sometimes hilariously contradictory. 

You know how we often think men don’t talk about others or “gossip”? Well, let me tell you, if you’ve ever sat in on a conversation between a group of men, you’ll know they’re actually the gossip kings. Forget tea—they bring the whole kettle. They might start with sports or politics, but before you know it, they’re dissecting who said what, who did what, and who’s “acting weird these days.” And don’t even get me started on how passionately they discuss their friends’ lives! If men could be fly-on-the-wall observers, they’d probably take notes for a bestseller.

And let’s not ignore their quirks. They’ll act like they don’t care about their appearance, but they’ll spend an hour fixing their hair to make it look like they “just woke up” in that perfectly messy way. They’ll claim to hate drama, but will be glued to your family gossip, all while pretending not to listen. And the sheer theatrics when they get a minor cold? Suddenly, it’s the end of the world. One sneeze, and you’d think they’ve been struck down by the plague.

These little quirks and contradictions add so much personality and fun to our lives. It’s proof that men aren’t just stoic figures—they’re as messy, emotional, and funny as the rest of us, even if they try to pretend otherwise.

       It’s the little things that make me grateful for the men in my life. I love how they’re always listening, no matter the time or place. When I’ve been overwhelmed, overthinking late into the night, they’ve been there, willing to hear me out—even when they were exhausted themselves. I’ve watched them drop everything they were doing because someone asked for help, without a second thought or complaint.

I admire how they don’t just offer support; they create solutions. Whether it’s fixing something broken, lending a hand during chaos, or simply staying present in moments of uncertainty, they have this incredible ability to make you feel safe and cared for. They don’t always show love through words, but through actions—those countless little efforts that often go unnoticed but mean the world.

There’s something comforting about the way they instinctively place a protective hand on the side of a loved one in a crowded place, or the way they go out of their way to make sure you’re okay—even at the cost of their own comfort. They speak a quiet, unspoken language of love, one that doesn’t seek recognition or praise.

        Of course, life isn’t perfect. We hear stories of men who cause harm—abusers, harassers, or oppressors. These painful realities cannot be ignored. But it’s also important to acknowledge the stories we don’t hear enough: stories of men who are falsely accused and left to suffer in silence, men who endure emotional and physical abuse but are too afraid to speak out because society tells them they’re supposed to be “strong.”

It’s heartbreaking how much pain men carry because they’re never given permission to be vulnerable. Ranbir Kapoor’s character in Tamasha says it best: “Main andar se kuch aur hoon, aur bahar se majboor hoon” (I’m someone else on the inside, but outwardly, I’m forced to be something I’m not). Men often feel trapped between their inner selves and societal expectations, a battle we don’t always see.

They’re taught that emotions are weaknesses, that their tears don’t matter, that their struggles should never leave the walls of their own minds. But I’ve come to realize that men are not emotionless. In fact, they’re often overflowing with feelings—they just need someone to listen, to understand, and to accept them without judgment.

        When I look back at the men in my life—my brothers, my friends, and others who’ve been there for me—I feel nothing but gratitude. They’re not perfect, and they’re not always easy to understand, but they are pure souls who’ve given me so much love and support.

I’m grateful for their instincts—the way they immediately sense when something is wrong or when someone isn’t safe to be around, and how they step in to protect without hesitation. I’m grateful for their quiet strength, the kind that shows up when you need it most. I’m grateful for their ability to sit with me during my darkest hours, to listen to my worries in the middle of the night, and to remind me that I’m never alone.

These men have taught me that love doesn’t always have to be loud or obvious—it can be subtle, patient, and steady. They’ve shown me that strength isn’t about never breaking down; it’s about being brave enough to keep going, even when the world feels heavy.

So, do we really need men in our lives? My answer is yes—not because women aren’t capable on their own, but because men bring something unique and irreplaceable to our world. They’re not just protectors or providers; they’re listeners, supporters, nurturers—and, of course, hilarious gossip kings. They remind us that even in the chaos of life, there are still people who will stand by us, no matter what.

To the men in my life—my brothers, my friends, my mentors—you are a gift I don’t take for granted. Your love, your strength, your quirks, and your quiet acts of care have shaped me in ways I can’t even put into words.

Thank you for being there when I needed you most. Thank you for protecting me, for listening to me, and for believing in me. Thank you for being you. I am endlessly grateful to have you in my life, and I hope you know how much you mean to me.

       Let’s move beyond the stereotypes and the “men vs. women” narrative. Let’s celebrate the humanity in each other—the flaws, the strengths, and everything in between. We all need someone to lean on, to listen to us, and to care for us, no matter their gender. And for me, the men in my life have done just that.

Thank You, Have a great day

-N.N