Gentle masculinity
(Baonghean.vn) - We often think that masculinity is about being unruly, being carefree, and having an overwhelming commanding appearance. But in fact, when we experience life more, we will see that a man is most masculine when he is at his most gentle.
The man parked his imposing motorbike and entered the small alley coffee shop. His black suit and bulky helmet strapped to his hip made him look really imposing. He used the tip of his shoe to pull up a small wooden chair, leaned down, and rolled up his sleeves to reveal his tattoos. From the moment the man entered, the coffee shop suddenly became quiet. Everyone was secretly watching his every move. No matter what, in such a small space, the appearance of a tall man with an appearance that easily reminded him of a gangster was creepy, wasn't it?
It seemed like this wasn't his usual place. He beckoned the waitress to order a black coffee with no sugar or ice, and a pack of Malboro cigarettes. The girl gingerly said yes, gingerly walked in and out, gingerly placed the glass on the table, and softly invited the customer. The man looked up and smiled. It seemed like he was used to this attitude wherever he went.
The coffee shop was quiet for a moment, then bustling again. The curiosity about the new customer was also just that short. People started talking about things with and without names in this city; about the worries about food and clothing; about the row of trees at a street corner that had just been cut down to pave the sidewalk… It suddenly started to rain. A few drops, then ten minutes later it was pouring down. People on the street hurriedly ran to take shelter from the rain. An old woman struggled to carry her load, walking slowly and slowly from the other side of the street towards the corrugated iron roof of a nearby bank. Heavy load, slippery road, poor eyesight, how could a person run in time for the changing sky? Suddenly, a tall man rushed out, raindrops pattered on his back. “Give it to me, I’ll carry it for you!” he said loudly, drowning out the sound of the rain and the car horns. He lifted the load onto his shoulder, one hand holding the load, the other hand leading the old woman quickly towards the corrugated iron roof.
I often have the habit of sitting in a coffee shop to write. That noisy space, with messy tables and chairs, the sound of the coffee grinder, crumpled napkins, brown stains of chocolate, and the bustling stories of life... all enter many of my texts. And today is that man. A man full of male hormones, even looking wild and scary, but looking at the way he helps an old lady walk in the rain, he is so gentle and kind! We often think that masculinity must be about being stubborn, carefree, and having an overwhelming commanding appearance. But in fact, when we experience life more, we will see that a man is most masculine when he is most gentle. Gentleness does not mean weak and cowardly; gentleness is a strong expression of understanding, patient, and humble masculinity.
At this coffee shop, I have observed many types of men. Many of them are the type who are above and below, at home they don't know what to do, but when they go out they criticize, scold, demand, find fault with everything from the coffee cup to the tissue box, question the waitress to the young shoe shiner, tease the female owner and then joke with the female customer sitting next to them. But I also see men taking their children to coffee shops, the father typing on the computer, the child sitting next to them drawing, occasionally turning to coax the father to help paint a picture. There are men stirring a cup of milk coffee for their wife, their eyes focused and gently listening to their little daughter talk, folding a few pieces of paper and stuffing them into her hand when she gets up to go to the bathroom... Why are these men so great, so strong, so lovable just for such small actions! They are great because they know how to bend down to take care of the smallest things; strong because of their calm eyes and rough hands that can handle everything from business to tying pretty bows for girls' hair; worthy (to be) loved for all the above reasons, how can one refuse a man like that!
Gentle masculinity is a hidden strength of men, I believe. But do not confuse the gentleness of a mature man with the momentary indulgence of young boys. Mature men are gentle when needed, not spreading their gentleness to everyone in the hope of receiving superficial compliments. But unfortunately, men - gentle masculinity, are still very rare!
