Merriam Webster defines good as "of high quality, of favorable character, or of highest worth or reliability," but just as with many immeasurable ideas, we all maintain our own definitions of what is truly "good," and we often choose mates accordingly. Of course, none of us are willingly choosing a so-called "bad" mate!
A couple days ago, a dear friend, writer, and relationship enthusiast, asked me to send him a list of 10 characteristics of a "good man." He was polling various women to get an idea or consensus of qualities women considered "good" in men. So, being the very proud wife that I am, of course I scribbled the great things I see in my own husband. To my surprise, many readers were a bit bothered by my list, assuming I was implying a good man must possess every characteristic listed, or those who did not were for some reason considered "bad," which was certainly not the case. I simply contributed a list of qualities based on my own little experience.
I understand every individual is entitled to his/her own standards for "good," and we must choose to see the good in others, particularly the ones we love. So today, on my wedding anniversary, I'm rebranding and reposting those characteristics I see in "MY" Good Man. I challenge and encourage you to do the same! Today is a great day to shower your mate with a list of "Good" you see in him/her.
Here's to that "GOOD" Kind of Love!
-Mama Tameka
10 Characteristics of My "GOOD" Man...
#1. He has a relationship with Christ that is evident in his walk, his talk, and his overall being. You can see the Christ in Him, his every decision is based on his seeking God's Word and Will for his life, and his study and prayer life are indicative of his relationship with Christ. He desires his relationship with his wife to mirror Christ's relationship to the church.
#2. He values and prioritizes family, understanding they reflect him as the head. He spends intentional time with them, and he believes that caring and providing for them extends beyond finances. He enforces quality family time, such as dinner at the family table, family talks, family outings, and family devotion.
#3. He values education and understands its importance in life. He does not believe that obtaining it is the advantage, but he understands that not having it can serve as a great disadvantage. He is well educated and he expects the same of his children.
#4. He believes that the sole responsibility of providing for the family is his, and he takes on that responsibility with pride and diligence. He has an entrepreneurial spirit, even when working for someone else. He has no problem with his wife choosing not to work, or desiring to do so. He supports her in both situations, insisting whatever she brings home is not necessary for the financial stability of the family.
#5. He possesses clear potential for success, and when he "arrives," no one is surprised. He is goal oriented. He has clear, precise desires for his life, with reasonable ability and a concise plan to obtain them. His life practices align his goals. You can look at his walk, listen to his talk, observe his actions, and predict a successful outcome.
#6. His thought processes, philosophies, life practices, likes, dislikes, fundamental core values and morals align with those of his wife. They think alike; they have similar mentalities. Something that is absolutely alarming to her is never perfectly okay to him.
#7. He's well-rounded and well-versed. He has an extensive vocabulary, and he's confident in speaking in any environment. He knows the Queen's language, as well as the Hood language. His network of friends and colleagues consists of a variety of people. He sees beyond color and class. When he steps to a podium, the audience is engaged.
#8. He's predictable, and he's a planner. He does not just live in the moment, but he functions with the future in mind. He sticks to his word, and he isn't afraid to practice or enforce routine and regiment. He is disciplined. He's not caught off guard by many storms of life, because he planned for them.
#9. He is a good example. When people refer to "good" men and "good" examples, his name is included in the list. Other men and young boys respect him and see themselves in him. He takes on the responsibility of impacting others through his choices, and he aims to LEAD by service and example. He is an example of a man, who had a great example in his father.
#10. He is humble, and in all situations, he strives for humility. He doesn't need to brag, boast, or toot his own horn, because the proof is in the pudding. He takes into consideration the thoughts and opinions of others, because he understands his responsibility to self assess based on their perceptions. However, his will and motivation to do well in life has nothing to do with pleasing other people, but everything to do with pleasing God.
Happy Anniversary, Michael!
Thank you Lord for this Good Man.
