In the second chapter of the Bible, God provides the answer to all of our problems as men. "Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (Genesis 2:18). God gave us women. Anything God gives, is a gift, and should be treated as such. I would bet though that the majority of women that we come in contact with do not feel as if they are a gift.
A woman's self worth is an incalculable number that has been formulated their entire lives until this exact moment. From what they have been taught in the home, in the media, and in previous relationships, they are the lesser of the two. They have been taught how to act, how to look, and what do to. They have been told that they are too much or that they are too little, but never enough. "You're wearing too much makeup," or, "Put more makeup on," or "You need to lose weight," or, "You look too skinny" are too often spoken. They get paid less. They get judged more. They ask for equality, and they get physical, verbal, and emotional abuse.
So what has happened to women because of this? It is simple. Lack of self-worth is a clear symptom of the treatment. As men it is really hard to pinpoint, so I wanted to help open our eyes to the obvious issues at hand that we, as men and as a society, have pushed down their throats to make them feel this way, unworthy of love, your love, and care.
As I have come into contact with girls on dates, in classes, or in other social settings, it has become clear to me the independence of the modern woman. While independence is an admirable character trait, I notice some of the side effects seem to stem from lack of self-worth. Women seem to have a tough time taking compliments. "Wow you look so pretty" is often responded to with a shy smile and "No I don't. Stop." But why? Is it because modesty is at the forefront of their morality? No. It is because they do not believe it themselves. They have heard about and seen all that men desire, and do not find themselves to fit those traits and guidelines.
So how do we as men combat this, and furthermore cater to this, having the knowledge now that women have been trapped inside these feelings of unworthiness?
We promote love. We shower them with gifts. We run full speed ahead when they are beating us to the door so that we can open it for them. Instead of texting them that we are there to pick them up, we go knock on the door, link arms, and walk them to the car where an open door is waiting to be shut behind them as they slide into the passenger seat, only to be chauffeured and showed-off. We turn our eyes from the media, and focus them on her, letting her know that she is the perfect, not-photoshopped version of herself that she should be. Let her know she can be who she wants around you, that you accept her for how she is, and that she is enough. Always make her feel pretty. Always make her feel special. Let her know that where you go, she is welcome and invited.
Genuine showings of care and chivalry, to combat the engrained ideas of self-worth that the world has forcibly fed to women, is how we start to change how they feel about themselves.
