So it's been quite a while since my last post. There have been a couple of reasons for this; for example, since I've been home for the summer I've been working again so a little less free time to think. For another, I've had sort of a mental block on what exactly it is I wanted to write about. However, an issue involving my cousin has helped me decide to get on my soapbox a wee bit. My cousin has had a rather... interesting history involving the guy that she may or may not currently be dating. He has these moments where he decides he wants to be uber sweet and nice to her and make her feel like she matters to him, then over the most trivial reasons will suddenly cut off all communication with her and leave her wondering what happened. Now, while I am not directly connected to this situation, when my cousin comes to me on Facebook, clearly distressed and easily going insane from the rough treatment she's getting from someone she clearly loves very deeply and cares for more than almost anyone else, it immediately becomes my business. I promise, I'm actually going somewhere with all this, and it's not just a defense of my cousin. This situation is just one of several involving several girls I know with guys who mistreat them to at least this extent. Where in the world did all these people who are disgracing the term "man" come from? By no means am I a perfect man; far from it, in fact. However, I do realize I have my shortcomings and am working to overcome them. These people, on the other hand, are ignoring the blatantly obvious evidence of their own issues. I was under the impression that a man who truly cares about a woman will not a) string her along; b) treat her like garbage and make her feel worthless; or c) treat her like his own personal plaything to be thrown away at a moment's notice. From my perspective, a real man should do the exact opposite of these things. If this is the woman he loves, he should make her second to none but God. He should treat her like a queen, showing her how lucky he is to have her in his life. He should show her how much she means to him, how much he cares, and how amazing she is as a person. Now, do not misunderstand me. This does not mean that a man should fall to pieces as soon as the woman he loves leaves him. This can actually be construed as another form of mistreatment, causing feelings of guilt and doubt in the girl's decision. However, he should accept that she needed to do what was best for her at the time, and simply hope that she decides that he is what God wants her to have later in life, even if not at that moment. Once again, I know I'm not perfect, nor will I ever claim such a thing. However, I still feel that since no one else will do it, I need to say two things: To the women who will see this: I apologize on behalf of all the men in your lives who mistreat you. To the men who will see this: Take a good long look at yourself. See if you are truly being a man of God in your relationship. Find out if you are treating your significant other with the respect she deserves.