Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man

us. The need to feel needed is way bigger to us than we’ve let
on; we have to feel needed by you in order to fulfill our destiny
as a man.
Of course, I’ve heard women say, “I’m not going to belittle
myself to make him feel more like a man—if he can’t handle
my money and my success and my independence, then he can’t
handle me!” We understand and can handle strong women. In
fact, we’re the products of strong women—women who “handle
it.” It’s no secret that you allow us men to believe we’re the
head of the household, but it’s you who makes all the key deci-
sions in the house and with the kids. It’s no secret to us that no
matter who’s bringing in the most money, it’s you who ulti-
mately handles the finances and allocates how the cash is going
to be spent. It’s no secret that when we argue, we may act like
we’re right, but we know that ultimately, if we want to restore
the peace, you’re going to get your way. We’re cool with all of
this. But if you say things to this effect without keeping up the
charade of our being essential to the household or you handle
our egos with anything less than great care—then we’re not
going to want to be involved with you. In our minds, if you’ve
got your own money, you don’t need ours. If you know karate
and can knock somebody flat on his behind by yourself, then
you don’t need our protection. And if we can’t exercise two of
the major components that make up who we are as men—
providing and protecting—then we’re not about to profess our
love for you. We absolutely will not say, “I’m your man” if you