Gabrielle Union said the following amidst your Global Grind blog post today.
There’s something about a platonic, non-sexual male voice in your life, ideally your parent, your father, relative or brother, which should be a steady, consistent source of nothing but positivity. And having this friend inspired me to reach out to my own dad and tell him that he’s got to tell my niece everyday that she is a beautiful princess. I can tell her that she has a lovely jump shot, or she does well in school, but what she’s gonna start looking out for from other people, from other men, is to tell her how beautiful she is, and she’s gonna find validation in all the wrong ways. So, it is important to be that mentor, to be that guiding figure in her life, so she doesn’t accept validation from the wrong places.
This strikes me as a very important role that needs to be filled in a females life, IMO. We are creatures of habit and routine. What we do repeatedly and what is done to us works it's way into shaping who we are. Being that support and that affirmation for a person can go so far into helping them become comfortable in their skin.
It goes both ways too. I thank my people like Jillz and Evita cuz they understand me and my position in the world and they make it their business to drop those positive and complimentary words on my every so often. They know how a lil word or 2 can keep me sane in a world that isn't too fond of me.
I feel this applies to people of all ages. As a friend, a true friend I think it's a small thing to do for my people to be that GUY.
