I agree with what you are saying, with one addition. It is important for a HEALTHY, SECURE man to feel like a man.
I think in my case, and in many other male MLCers here, you have very insecure, unhealthy men, wanting to feel like men, and going about it in all the wrong ways.
Then, I see men like you, Frank_D, FIB, Don, Jeff, W2S, and so many other wonderful men here that are REAL strong, secure, incredible men. We have to admit, there is a HUGE chasm between the level of security in all the LBS men here and the returning MLC men. You are men who fight for the M even in the face of rejection. Yet, the returning MLC man needs to be coddled to return. I am not saying we should not do that, just that recognizing the difference in men here....same goes for the women. I see the same thnig with the LBS women and MLC women. The LBS women are forced to be on their own and manage and do a great job, all the while supporting another...while many of the MLC women "want" their freedom, but all too often are scared to reallly go out and make a living, be on their own - that reality is usually their point of return.
Regarding the MLC men. I think it IS important to give them the gender respect. During MLC, it's a flipped situation. On one hand, the male MLCer wants to be treated like the man. On the other hand, I am starting to believe they do what they do (abandon, mistreat, etc), b/c they deep down KNOW that they are dealing with strong women, and take advantage of that fact.
Just my 2 cents regarding gender roles and MLC. Basically MLC is a time when someone who has a lot of issues wanting independence, freedom, desire from others, wanting to be wanted...goes about it in all the wrong ways, instead of earning those things.
