Charlie asked me what a man was the other day. I told him that he's a boy now, but that when he grows up he'll become a man.
So he asked, "When I get old, I'll be a man?"
I feel like there's more to being a man than being older though. I wasn't sure exactly how to put it though, in terms that a 3-year-old could understand.
What is there to being a man, besides just being male and being older?
GOLD / wonderful grape / 20289 posts
In my religion you become a man after your bar mitzvah. Not very helpful to you though.....
GOLD / squash / 13464 posts
@mrbee: I think that taking responsibility for yourself and your actions is one of the major differences between a boy and a man (and between a girl and a woman)
admin / wonderful grape / 20724 posts
@artbee: I had read that a bar mitzvah doesn't necessarily mean that you're considered an adult just yet?
12-13 years old does feel old enough to be responsible for your actions, but I wouldn't consider a 13 year old a man just yet!
GOLD / wonderful grape / 20289 posts
@mrbee: you're not considered an adult at 13, but you do have more rights and responsibilities then children, mainly religious. You are required to perform mitzvot (good deeds), you can make moral and ethical decisions, you are allowed to lead a service, etc.
apricot / 391 posts
My dad says you're a man when you're staring down the barrel of a thirty year mortgage. Haha!
coconut / 8305 posts
I'd say when you can put the needs of others before yourself & take responsibility for your actions/decisions... As simple as it sounds I know 30+ year olds that still can't do this! =/
DH said something else but I'm NOT going to share. O_o *blush*
apricot / 288 posts
I think that what @mrbee and @artbee are discussing is pretty close to my thoughts on "What is a man". At bar mitzvah age you can begin to take on the responsibilities of an adult even though you may not be completely responsible for their consequences. Maybe you are old enough to make a meal for your family, but not required to do the grocery shopping for the ingredients or wash/put away the dishes afterwards. Maybe you can babysit for a night, but you wouldn't be responsible for a younger human being for a whole weekend.
A man is a human being who is completely responsible for himself and his decisions and actions. But before becoming a man, you can be a young man - someone who has responsibility for his most of his actions and decisions but who still relies on someone else for guidance, protection and support.
wonderful pea / 17279 posts
@AprilK: my dad his own funny quip too: you know a boy has become a man when he chooses to walk around a puddle rather than splash in it.
Graciousness, accountability, integrity, and independence (even if it's an earnest effort to be independent and self-sufficient) top my list of what it means to be a man.
bananas / 9227 posts
A man (an adult for that matter) takes responsibility for his actions. He is honest and aware of both his abilities and limitations. He prioritizes and protects what's truly important to him (his family and loved ones).
A good man (adult) wishes happiness to those he loves.
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