A friend sent me this today and I wanted to think aloud about it. First is what they sent me and below that is my rambling...

Real Men don't slap her around a few times and teach her a lesson...
Real Men don't say she's dumb, bitch or slut.
Real Men know she's a human being, a girl that deserves to be loved and respected. Not used and thrown out like a piece of trash.
A "man" should NEVER hit a woman.
And should never force his girl to have sex with him,
that's not something you do to the person you supposedly love.

Real men will love unconditionally, and want to keep that love forever.
Real men are proud to be with their woman in any situation, public or private.
Real men will be there when she has needs, and only you can comfort her.
Real men care more about their woman than about themselves.
Real men will support their women in all they do, share their dream, and revel in their accomplishments

And Real love is what Men and Women should want.

And now here is my random thoughts...

Somewhere I lost my way. I have repeatedly accepted men (and women) who do not respect me. Is my self-esteem really that low that I blindly take what people dish out? Why do I do this? I fall for those who talk a good game but to not act with the same intent. Words are beginning to have no meaning. Obviously this (male) friend wanted to show me not all men are like what I have experienced. I know this. I would have given up long ago if I didn't.

I also know I am not perfect and have made more than a few mistakes of my own. Do I set my expectations too low because I feel like damaged goods? More than likely. I accept too much crap and I forgive too easily. Where does one draw the line? When does it become too much? How do I figure this out? When do my mistakes make theirs acceptable?

My mom said I always see the diamond in the rough. Is this optimism or a flaw? I excel at seeing the good in people. Seeing the best side blinds me to the worst. At which point does the balance point tip? When does the bad outweigh the good? My line in the sand is not clear enough. How do people decide what is forgivable and what isn't? Is that part of what is broken with me? Yes it is.

I loved my parents and they did NOT set a good example for me. I set out on my own too young with little guidance and have been trying to figure out things ever since. I make terrible choices based on hope. I believe in people. I trust people. In return I get hurt. How does a person get hurt without becoming jaded? How do I keep my faith in people?

Some of what my friend sent is good reminders of what is not acceptable. Some seems like it is unattainable.