7 signs you have a strong man in your life

How To Be Happy According To Stoicism

As a relationship expert, I’ve seen my fair share of relationships, and let me tell you, recognizing a strong man can sometimes be tricky. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back.

The distinction lies in the qualities they bring to the table. A strong man isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about his ability to be reliable, his emotional maturity, and his resilience in the face of adversity.

In this piece, I’ll share with you seven signs that you have a strong man in your life.

Let’s dive in.

1) He respects you

Now, let me begin by saying this is a non-negotiable sign of a strong man.

Respect isn’t about opening doors or pulling out chairs – although those gestures are lovely. It’s about valuing your opinions, acknowledging your feelings, and treating you as an equal in every aspect of life.

A strong man doesn’t belittle or undermine you. He doesn’t make you feel small or insignificant. Instead, he uplifts you, encourages you, and celebrates your successes as if they were his own.

Strong men have a deep sense of respect for their partners. They understand that a relationship is a partnership, not a dictatorship.

2) He’s emotionally intelligent

Here’s a sign that you might not have thought about – emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is all about understanding and managing emotions – both your own and those of others. It’s about being able to comfort during bad times, celebrate in good times, and remain stable all times in between.

How does this look in practice?

Well, a strong man isn’t afraid to express his emotions. He doesn’t bottle up his feelings, nor does he explode in anger. Instead, he communicates openly and honestly about how he feels.

He also understands your emotions. He can tell when you’re upset even before you say a word, and he knows how to handle it without belittling your feelings.

3) He values your independence

Now, this is an important one.

A truly strong man will encourage you to be independent. He will support your career, your interests, and your personal growth. He understands that you are your own person with your own path in life.

I’ve always believed that a healthy relationship is made up of two whole individuals, not two halves trying to make a whole. That’s why in my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I emphasize the importance of maintaining our individuality while being in a relationship.

But for now, just know that if a man is really strong, he won’t feel threatened by your success and independence. Instead, he will celebrate it.

4) He’s not afraid to show vulnerability

Now, here’s a sign that might surprise you – vulnerability.

Often, we associate strength with a ‘never let them see you sweat’ attitude. But the truth is, real strength lies in the ability to be vulnerable.

A strong man understands that it’s okay to have moments of weakness. He’s not scared to admit when he’s wrong, or when he doesn’t know something. He doesn’t see his vulnerabilities as threats, but rather as opportunities to grow and learn.

This might sound counterintuitive, but let me assure you, it takes immense courage to show vulnerability.

So if your man can let down his guard and show you his vulnerable side, then trust me, you’ve got a strong man by your side.

5) He stands by you

Life isn’t always a bed of roses – we all face challenges and setbacks. And it’s during these tough times that a strong man’s true character shines through.

This one’s close to my heart.

I remember when I was going through a rough patch a few years ago, my husband was my rock. He didn’t just provide emotional support, but he stood by my side every step of the way, showing me what real strength looks like.

Is your man there for you during your most challenging times, standing by your side no matter what?

Good for you. That’s another undeniable sign.

6) He owns up to his mistakes

Now, let’s get real for a moment. Nobody’s perfect, and that includes the strong man in your life. He’s going to mess up. He’s going to make mistakes.

But here’s the thing that sets him apart – he owns up to them.

A strong man doesn’t shy away from his mistakes or try to shift the blame onto others. He doesn’t make excuses or justify his wrongdoings. Instead, he takes responsibility for his actions, acknowledges his faults, and makes a conscious effort to learn and grow from them.

7) He communicates honestly

Communication – it’s the lifeblood of any relationship.

A man who has true strength doesn’t hide his feelings or thoughts from you. He doesn’t leave you guessing or play mind games. Instead, he communicates openly and honestly with you. He talks about his day, shares his worries, and isn’t afraid to express his love.

Conclusion

Recognizing a strong man in your life isn’t always about grand gestures or heroic acts.

Sometimes, it’s about the little things – respect, emotional intelligence, independence, vulnerability, loyalty, honesty, support, and communication.

These are the signs of a strong man. And if you’re lucky enough to have such a man in your life, cherish him.

What would Marcus Aurelius say?

Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?

Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.

Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.

Check it out here.

 

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