What makes a man?

Present-day society puts a tremendous amount of emphasis on what makes each individual themselves, but also on the broader generalizations, such as, what makes, specifically, a man. 

In order to be categorized as a “man” under social terms, certain traits, and actions, must be adhered to, however, just because society views men in one way does not mean that it is what truly makes a man.  In fact, a man is much more than what  society ascribes to him. 

A man is someone who cherishes those around them, and lives every day like it is his last to live.  He does not act in a pejorative manner towards others, and instead chooses to help those in need, and defend those who are attacked, both verbally, and physically.  Though he may not always be able to take care of his family, he knows when to acknowledge that he needs help, and is not afraid to ask others to help him. 

That is the strength of a true man that society does not seem to acknowledge.  A man is not simply someone who supports his family by making a lot of money, and then disappears when he is really needed.  A man supports those around him, and accepts support from his peers as well.  It is through that support system that he is able to thrive, because he does not bend to what society expects, but instead rises to the challenges before him, and surmounts them with the help of others.