Why is it that when life hands us lemons, we only tell the girls to make lemonade?

As a young woman trying to find my place in this world, I am bombarded by all these people trying to empower women, showing that we can do anything. Sure, I believe women can do everything, but why is it so wrong to rely on a man?

As a society, we became blind to the fact that men have emotions that need to be fostered in the same manner as girls. We may think they have a tough exterior and nothing bothers them, but there are men that are hurting in this world and could use our help.

Little boys are being forced to play with "boy" toys and avoid what may be considered "girly." Parents don't understand that they could be destroying their child's future. What if that one doll showed them that they could be a good father? What if that crayon grew a potential for being a graphic designer? What if that stuffed dog opened the door to becoming a vet?

If we take as much time to tell the boys that they are worth something and they can do anything, then we may have the men that all women seem to be looking for. To me, a man is someone that is willing to show their emotions, but in this world, men are being told that their emotions mean nothing and that they are supposed to be "tough."

Some of my all-time favorite people are men that are comfortable in their own skin. Sure, they have amazing wives that keep them on track, but these men are more than a just a husband. They are real people with real emotions that they aren't afraid to show. I look up to all people who aren't afraid to show vulnerability—especially the men that defy the odds of society by doing so.

As the next generation, here's what I think needs to be done.

We should start telling our sons that they have a chance to make a difference in this world. They have the opportunity to find something that they love. We should show them that it is okay to be independent and they don't need a girl to survive. We need to make it known the emotions are natural and they have every right to feel what they want. We need to show them that "being a man" isn't about being tough and strong, but about loving who they are and trying their hardest at everything they do.

When we begin to empower men, then we have truly succeeded as a society. Let's start putting the pressure on men to become everything they possibly can be. I think we owe them that much.