Newfound respect

Disclaimer: Like my dear friend Q says, "it takes all kinds in a circus". Similarly, there are all types of people in the world. This useless musing is dedicated to those considerate men who care...

Work-life balance is not restricted to gender anymore. As stereotypically women have been homemakers and men, providers of the family, the scales are tilting when many men have come forward to play the role of a homemaker. Marriage definitely changes the lives of such considerate men. But these men are at their best when they become fathers. 

I have had the privilege of knowing several of this envious breed of ideal men ~ my father, my paternal uncles, my cousin, my ex-boss and my trek mate (both initialed AK). Not only have they achieved accolades in their professional spheres but also have proved to be good homemakers. 

It is often believed that one needs to keep their personal and professional lives distinctly separate. But I happen to believe that a person can't really change much of his personality between two important aspects of his life.

AK has a charismatic presence (although he is quite unaware of it, thankfully so for the sake of modesty). 

When he walks the aisle across the floor, heads turn to look at him - women gawking and men admiring. People listen to him, believe him, even without knowing him (apart from his designation of being the site director). And I would always wonder how.

A recent moment unraveled the mystery and created #newfoundrespect for AK. On a general chat, he said that the lockdown has made him a chef. He cooks fancy meals for his daughter, who is very picky about food. The dishes were complex and needed prep - Rogan Josh and other non-vegetarian dishes of the like.

Despite his extended schedule of working from home, he made sure he cooked those meals just because they made his daughter happy.

And then it was all clear to me...

What matters is the intention and then everything else can be learnt and dealt with. People will always trust you for your intentions, your values, your character. They will look up to a leader, knowing that he has their best interests at heart. They will follow him for they know he cares. 

Today, I discovered a newfound respect for men, who care...