Tend to me...

"What is with this constant demand from women for their men to be more sensitive?"

Now don't get me wrong, I am generally in defense of the poor male who is often in a state of confused reprimand for doing something he didn't even know he was doing. But this above sentence is enough to send me on a rant. So here goes.

What does it mean to be sensitive? And why is it considered or assumed to be a female-specific quality? Worse, nowadays, in this era of hipsters and pseudu-spirituals, being 'sensitive' has become the buzzword for being insecure. Instead of facing the challenges of being genuinely yourself in a social situation, the new coping mechanism is to hide behind a mask of 'sensitivity'. Although I wonder what one is sensitive to.... Sensitive towards your own feelings or towards those of others? This again refers to my theory that people function as self-centred beings or other-centred beings, and we cope with life accordingly. So someone self-centred, who protects themselves by putting themselves first, will indeed become sensitive to a competitive and judgmental environment (who wouldn't). So will the other-centred person. They will simply assign reasons and justification to different factors. Is it my fault or is it your fault? This takes away from the tenderness that comes with experiencing the truly selfless, non-judgmental love that we all wish to receive and hope to give.

That detracts from the original topic.

Sensitivity towards others is an ability to be empathetic. It is taking time out of your life to stop any thoughts of yourself and to observe where another person is at. As far as I can see, there is no reason why that skill of empathising should be strictly attributed to females only. Some of the most compassionate and caring people I know are males. To quote my earlier self... 'reprimand for doing something he didn't even know he was doing.' Why did he not know what he was doing?

This dynamic is typically seen between men and women in relationships however, it applies to EVERYONE. And the basic tenet is this: how often are you making conscious choices? How often are your reflecting on your own thoughts, choices, actions and word? Surprisingly little I bet! It is tough to do, and like any skill it takes practice. Lots of it. It also takes the confidence to keep learning even if it means admitting you are incomplete.

We are all incomplete. So don't spend your life hiding away pretending you are complete. Come out of the darkness behind your mask and let the sun shine on your face. Be conscious, be aware and start caring about how you relate to the world and how the world relates to you. You have more of an impact than you imagine...

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