An Open Letter to Men

Dear men,

There's so much rattling around in my head that I want to say, it's kind of hard for me to decide where to begin. So I'll just leap in.

First off, I want to say that I'm sorry about the way modern entertainment has been portraying you with greater and greater frequency over the last few decades - as armpit-scratching, beer-guzzling, cheese-for-brains idiots who can't do a single thing for themselves and need their women to make all the "smart" decisions for them. That type of portrayal just makes me cringe for the whole human race. I'm really, really sorry about that, and I hope with all my heart that people get a clue and knock it off.

Secondly, I want to say thank you. I want to thank you for being the kind, compassionate men you are. I want to thank you for working hard and being examples of what it means to have a good work ethic. I want to thank you for loving your mothers and showing your kids what it means to respect their parents. I want to thank you for your steadfast determination to protect the women in your lives. I want to thank you for your commitment to doing the right thing and demonstrating integrity.

Third, I want you to know something. A lot of the time, we think that in order to be romantic, we have to make these really over-the-top gestures or spend a lot of money. But you know what? The things that make a girl's heart melt really aren't things you can buy. When you open a door for her and gently touch her back as she goes through. When you ask her to dance when her favorite song comes on. When you call her to see how a job interview went or what grade she got on a test she was stressed about taking. When she knows that you will be there for her through thick and thin. When her safety is the most important thing in the world to you. These are the types of things that will make her swoon, and they're all extensions of who you are as a person - you don't have to spend a lot of money to impress a girl. You just have to be the best version of who you really are deep inside, and hopefully you're striving for that anyway.

Fourth, a word to you men who are already married. Thank you for the time and devotion you put into your families. Thank you for playing catch with your son when you'd really rather be taking a nap. Thank you for every choice you make which strengthens those around you and makes them feel better about themselves. Thank you for remembering your wife's favorite flower and bringing it to her for no reason whatsoever except that you were thinking about her.

Men, you are amazing. Thank you for being who you are and striving to do better. Thank you for giving us women something to look up to. Please ignore all these media nonsense about how men are idiots and just continue to be who you really are. And know how much the women of the world love and appreciate a man of honor and integrity. I truly feel blessed knowing that you're out there.