A real man

Have you ever been treated like a real lady by a real man?

If you would have asked me this question before this man - whose strong arms are represented above - came into my life, I would have said, "Sure I have!"

I've dated men who opened the car door for me, bought me flowers and dinner.

But now, I'm learning that a southern gentleman takes things even further than that.

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I feel such a sense of mutual respect when I'm with Gentleman Jack.

When he was in town last weekend, I drove us everywhere. I live here and knew where we were going.

Every time we walked to my SUV, he would come to the driver's side, open the door, and help me into the driver's seat.

When we went to dinner, he insisted on pulling out my chair, sitting in the man seat*, ordering the wine, asking what I wanted and ordering for me. He showed exquisite dinner etiquette, even pointing out things that I never knew about fine dining.

He was very attentive when we were out, be it at a bar, restaurant, or clothing store. Upon admitting that he was in from out of town, he would be asked, "What are you in town for?'

Each time, his answer would be to point to me and say, "How could I not travel out of town for this?"

Then he would pull me into his arms and kiss my cheek or forehead.

He listens to me, completely aware of my thoughts, changes in facial expressions and body language. He responds with genuine concern for me.

He calls me "ma'am"... something I'll admit, took some getting used to. He answers questions with "yes, ma'am" or "no, ma'am".

He has a sweet southern drawl , uses phrases like "dad gum" and doesn't curse around me. (I'm trying to break him of this. Hee hee!)

He is gentle, protective and caring.

He calls me nicknames like "sweet pea" and "punkin".

And most amazing of all:

He treats everyone with the same respect with which he treats me.

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This Gentleman Jack is completely raising the bar for the next guy to come into my life.

Damn straight!

I never thought much of being treated in this manner. I'm not even sure I would have taken a man like this seriously before. I am an independent, self-sufficient woman. My mom raised me this way. Even my own dad reinforced the belief that if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.

I wasn't raised to depend on a man.


Well I've learned that men just want to be the man. Because when they feel that way, they're empowered to nurture and respect you too.


We should all be treated with such dignity. We deserve it.

The best part of it is that I, for the first time in my life, agree with that last line.


What does the term "real man" mean to you?

Since being single, have you looked at the opposite sex differently than before?



*apparently, it is crucial that all men sit facing the door.