Quote: MrsNOP, I am almost CERTAIN you are right, but for us men this is a difficult and complex subject. On the one hand we are CONDITIONED to be understanding, caring, nurturing, ROMANTIC, thoughtful, etc., etc., etc. And then we're ALSO supposed to be the "bad boy" and strong and virile and protective and ....
I know. When we allow our culture to dictate what we are, confusion reigns. Because the culture, just like fashion, changes.
Quote: Further complicating this is that contemporary American women -- esp. mothers -- (and I'm generalizing here, so PLEASE don't everyone reply that they're different; I"m saying on AVERAGE) are often critical and controlling of their husbands' decision-making. "Here, honey, don't do it THAT way, let me show you..." starts very early with the newborn babies and continues long into the marriage.
You're right. We've tried to establish a standard that dads should be something of a second mom, while pushing the role of dad to the periphery of the family.
It's not easy trying to be a good, mature human - male or female - is it?
