Break-up stories are everyone’s cup of tea.

I bet you agree. In a sense, social media platforms validate the above statement. Realistically speaking, yes. But ethically, no.

Celebrity break-ups in 2023 have been the mainstream of the internet, especially in the Philippines. One of the latest ones is of KathNiel Loveteam.  The common reason for the long list separation is “cheating”. Before you get hooked, we will not give you the details of their break-ups but will rather dig into an unpopular opinion:

What makes a man “a real man”?

Does being masculine enough to say that a man is a real man?

Does engraving chivalry in a man’s hand make him a real man?

Let’s recalibrate the above statements by creating a list below.

A real man…

Can determine “boundaries”

Generally, men are diverse. They have different personalities and can be in different behaviors. But every man who is married and is in a legal relationship could determine his boundaries from other people. Especially with other women. A real man will not let his partner worry or be jealous of. That’s loyalty.

Has clear intentions

One of the clichés’ topics this year is “mixed signals”. This is determined by how a person behaves toward another. If a man is a real man, he will surely be caring, and concerned, and would give special treatment to a woman he likes most. With “clear intentions”. So, if you have a friend who gives you mixed signals, run! We all deserve clear boundaries. Not confusion.

Does not count any record of wrong

Have you heard the verse “Love does not count any record of wrong”? Let’s associate it with our topic this way. A real man loves and protects. If he sees any wrong with you, he will surely correct you in private. Truth comes with love. Always. And instead of nagging, a real man knows how to listen and objectively corrects and decides about a situation.

Does not cheat

Love comes with faith and loyalty. And these words are tied up with “contentment” of having only one special woman in a man’s life.

Is responsible

Being responsible does not just apply to work or commitment. It also applies to actions. A real man will defy all odds just to prove that he can take responsibility for his actions or decisions. Read that sentence again.

I’d say, there’s a long list to prove or qualify a man as a real one. But the end game of this article is not to degrade nor invalidate anyone’s ability to become a real man. At the end of the day, no one is created perfect. And so women too. Believe me or not, the above statement applies to women as well! Thus, if the man you are with right now does not give you peace, run!