I have heard many things about men and I have seen many things that men are capable of. I have heard that same phrase, that all men are the same, from many women of many ages. As I contemplated on this statement that all men are the same and looked back at all the men who have been in my life or crossed my path I realize that this statement does hold some truth behind it.

Realizing this overall, I only have one thing to say to all these men that are or have been in my life and that is thank you.

To my dad

Thank you for always being there for me throughout every step of the way. Thank you for protecting me and teaching me how to respect myself and respect others. Thank you for teaching and making me realize that I am indestructible.

Thank you for making me realize I should always hold myself to a high standard and to never stoop low to hatreds level. Thank you for being so hardworking, such a great role model, and showing me what a true father, husband, and all around great man looks like.

To my brothers

Thank you for building me up, making me have tough skin, and making me realize that drama is overrated. Thanks for creating a true tomboy out of me. I now appreciate you guys scaring boys away that are no good for me.

Thank you for picking on me and teaching me how to defend myself. For always being there when I needed you and always giving me that same advice ("they aren't family so who cares.") That advice still holds true and works great.

To my cousins

Thank you guys for being my goofball brothers who have such big hearts for the women in your life.For treating me like a sister and always talking to me about life. I love our long talks about life, the future, and how no matter where life takes us we always make sure to stay connected.

To my brothers from another mother

I hate you guys, but I love you guys. I guess thanks for being gross and talking about guy stuff in front of me it taught me how nasty guys can really be. Thank you for always being there when I needed someone to talk to even though you really didn't want to listen to me. That is true love. Thank you for always looking out for me and though we may not talk 24/7 I always appreciate the random calls, texts, and snaps I get from you guys to check up on how I am doing.

Thank you to your mothers for birthing you fools. I feel sorry for them having to raise you guys, but I do appreciate that because of them you guys have been a big part of my life. Don't make fun of me for this.

To my significant other

Thank you for accepting me for the stubborn, outspoken, straightforward, confident, sassy, woman I am. Thank you for going above and beyond in respecting me for who I am and what I believe in. Thank you for always treating me like a queen and making me realize that I do not always have to tackle life on my own. Thank you for being supportive in all my hopes and dreams.

Thank you for being a true gentleman not only to me but to other females no matter what walks of life they come from. Thank you for truly making me feel like I deserve the world. Most importantly thank you for feeding me.

I know there are some guys that can be nasty people, but please note that if you use the statement "all men are the same" in a distasteful way and believe it is true, it isn't. I hope that whoever you are you end up finding someone who truly respects you for you and will treat you the way you truly deserve to be treated.

Trust me, there are men out there who will treat you right, willing to protect you, willing to give you the world, and willing to be there for you when you need them. Never forget your worth and always remember to first truly full-heartedly love and respect yourself first before anything else.

To the past and present guys who have been in my life. Thank you all for showing me how all men should be. Thank you for continuously reminding me of my worth and thank you for reminding me that chivalry is not dead. Thanks to all of you when I hear the statement, all men are the same, I think of all of you guys.

Now when I think of that statement and the word man I think of someone who respects, is sincere, hardworking, and loyal, and if they don't hold those qualities then they are no man.