He loses his temper, screams at his wife and punches the door. He’ll pick a fight with anyone in the bar that looks at him funny. Through it all he sees himself as macho. He thinks this is the way a real man is supposed to behave.

I have news for him. A real man can change his own oil then clean up and cook dinner. He’ll make tea for his wife while she’s out for her daily walk. A real man can talk his way out of a fight while still defending his honor. He treats his wife as an equal and argues fair. A real man can control his temper.

I tell him about my struggles and how I work on being a better man every day. I tell him how humility won’t kill him and being wrong isn’t a failure of character. I explain that taking admitting fault and taking responsibility can diffuse the situation. I also point out it’s a lot of work.

He’s a bright guy. I like him and know he’s ultimately a good person. I just hope he is willing to make the effort. Otherwise, I’m going to have to kick the crap out of him!