Our Family

A tumblr I follow recently blogged a post about loving a broken girl. I thought I would add a broken man's version. It's easy to love a happy-go-lucky man without a care in the world. But what about the broken man? The man with walls higher than a Pink Floyd album? The man with a body that carries scars and wounds, some so deep and some invisible, that part is numb? Men who's demons taunt him nearly every day.

1. He doesn't think he's worthy of love, so sometimes he doesn't show it. You cannot be fierce or gentle with your love, but consistent. There will be times you will have to love him fiercely and others gentle. Broken men especially do not show emotion. You will have to get him to tell you what broke him. Do not judge him if he does. He will need you when he's at his worst.

2. He doesn't think he's good looking. He may get compliments, but there is a voice in the back of his head sowing seeds of doubt. A simple "DAYUM" or a smiling "You're Mine" will quiet that demon.

3. Do not chase him. If he says he needs time to himself, let him be. But let him know you're close and will be checking on him.

4. He needs routine. A broken man's mind thinks 13th and 14th orders of affect. His back is always facing the wall. His eyes wander. Do not think of this as unintrest. If you've earned his trust, he's protecting you.

5. If he's being affectionate, let him. It's rare for broken men to show emotion. He's opening up to you.

6. Timeliness. Broken men are stricklers for time. If you are the type that is always late, be prepared for him to tell you that you need to be somewhere at noon when you're not expected until 2.

7. Overwhelmed. Be prepared to expect an array of of confusing, conflicting emotions, bouncing, careening, confusingly off of one another. He's not mad. He's trying to tell you a story of how he came to be this way.

8. Be his Peace. He will be counting on you to keep him calm at times. If he lets you in, you will be challenged. Be the understanding one to keep his peace with him and he will always be yours.

Remember, he may be broken, but...