I have had the displeasure of being a landlord for a total of 5 months. I say had, because shortly after taking over this tenant from my father I was forced to give it back because the “man” who lived in the house refused to pay his rent on time; however, my parents wouldn’t let me put the bum out.
It was as this asshole was reitterating that he was “man” I had the audacity to remind him that real men didn’t try to hustle their way out of paying their rent. Real men figure it out or have the decency to not to hide when they are short. They handle their finacial issue standing up — not crouching behind their girlfriends skirts as she calls to explain why his rent is late. Again.
The how’s and whys my parents wouldn’t put him out are irrelevant. The purpose of this post is not the drama of having a renter who refuses to pay or parents who don’t want to be the bad guy. This is about men in general.
I written about my father in the past and I’ve also written about the wonderful women in my family. So, I am going to take this moment to explain why my tolerance is so low for no good men, trifling, and under-achieving men. It’s because I am blessed with a family full of do right men. Now they are not perfect. Some of them have been known to have a straying eye, hand or *a-hem* well you know, but they all understand the importance of family and what it means for a man to take care for his family. Family always comes first and the money and time always comes home. Paychecks don’t get dropped off at the strip club and wives and children don’t worry about having a roof, food or utilities. They don’t try to con the landlord, and most of them understand the importance of home ownership. Real men understand the importance of standing on their own. They don’t expect the women to carry their load. They understand that in order to lay claim to their manhood they must first behave as men.
I cannot name a single man in my family who has not stepped up and stepped into his manhood. Maybe there is one or two that have slipped under my radar, but the truth of the matter is those men probably keep a low profile because men being men is a mantra in our family. The quickest way to get talked about and a firm talking to in my family is to be over 21 and behave as less than a grown ass man.
So this is just a quick post to say thank you to all the other good men out there. Every time I see you stand strong — I smile. Each you hold a door, pay the check, and carry the heavy stuff it does my heart good. For each one of you taking care of your babies, your wives, and your family — thank you. For those of you who are good to your girlfriends – thank you. For the playas out there who admit it upfront and tell us you’re not ready, but still pick up the tab – thank you.
Here’s to Jim Jr. (Daddad), Will, Little Will, Jim, Robert, Fred, Junior, Tony, Damon, Prentice, Leon, Herbert, Herbert Jr., Crow, Earl, Maurice, Alfonso, Steve, … *Whew* this is a long list so let’s just leave it at this…
To all you good men out there sometimes we forget to say thanks.
