Understanding Ourselves, Understanding Others: A Reflection on Emotional Awareness

As we traverse through life—whether in the capacity of a mother, teacher, boyfriend, or just a “liver” (as Orry might put it)—we often delay embracing our idiosyncratic roots. In the busyness of our evolving roles, we sometimes get entangled in the inferences we draw from how life unfolds—be it projects completed, praise received, or the silence we encounter. And in those moments, we may find ourselves being harsh—not just on others, but more so on ourselves.

But to truly be with someone, in any capacity, it’s important to know how we are when we’re by ourselves.

That awareness might mean:

Recognizing why silences feel awkward and why we rush to fill them
Understanding why pre-planning brings us ease, even if it overwhelms others
Acknowledging that despite our differences, we long for connection—because we are, after all, social beings

This Week’s Focus: Questions to Ask the Men in Your Life

Open conversations are powerful. They help bridge emotional gaps and nurture mutual understanding. This week, we invite you to explore these reflective questions with the men in your life—whether they're partners, friends, family, or colleagues.

What did you learn about anger while growing up?
What messages did you receive when you cried as a child?
Can you share a story about a male role model in your life?
What comes to your mind when you think of him?
What does it mean to you to be a “good man”?
Who taught you what love is, and have you learned anything different since then?
If you didn’t feel the pressure to provide, what would you do with your time?
How do you balance the various roles and responsibilities in your life—like work, family, and self-care?
What has been the most significant lesson you've learned from your friendships and relationships with other men?
What have you learned from your relationships with the women in your life?
What values do you believe are important to pass on to the next generation?
How do you handle stress and emotional struggles?

Why These Questions Matter

Through these thoughtful prompts, we hope you’ll uncover new insights about the men in your life—and perhaps even about yourself. These questions aren’t just for them; they are for all of us who seek to understand our roots, life philosophies, motives, and gifts—the very parts of us that are sometimes labeled “too much,” when in fact, they are exactly what the world needs more of.

We hope this series serves as a guide for you to go deeper—into conversations, into connection, and into clarity.

If you or somebody you know is struggling with stress or mental health concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Support and Engage verticals for affordable and inclusive help.

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