Conversation with my dad on International Men’s Day.

Baba and I talk about many things (almost anything); ever since I was a kid we have spoken about unconventional topics. Essentially, he has helped me a lot in approaching sensitive topics with ease, respect and confidence.

November 19th was International Men’s Day and we both were talking about how and why this day is being celebrated. It is so important to be open about things that deeply affect us (humans, in general). And my experience being the daughter of my dad, is that it is really hard for them (dads/men) to express their problems, their tough times, and that sometimes they could be helpless. I have to ask my dad if he doesn’t seem too fine and then slowly he would tell me. But most certainly he would start by saying that everything is fine. This is perhaps true for many dads out there.

We need to keep in mind the kinds of things the men in our lives (husband, boyfriend, father, so on) have to go through everyday and at every stage in their lives. They try so hard to face things and sometimes, hide things. It is so important to let the emotions out that really are so special, deep and loving. And also those that are associated with fears and anxieties. The kinds of things men go through because of other men, societal pressures and toxic expectations can take a toll on their health (mental/physical). Some women may fake this understanding or be judgmental or misleading or insensitive, but they play a pivotal role in shaping the relationship a man has with women including his wife, daughter, mother, or friend. Just being there, just being someone they can trust, share their emotions with and respect those emotions, is altogether a big step towards harmony, happiness and good health.