Ever have a Netflix DVD arrive in your mailbox that you have no recollection of requesting? That’s just what happened when The Ghost of Girlfriends Past violated my inner sanctum of fine cinema viewing. This movie is beyond horrendous and chock full of Matthew McConaughey not missing any opportunity to overact and toss his trademark, glossed eyed head tilt to convey amazement/charm/fear/enjoyment/…uh anything. I truly wish I knew which friend recommended this debacle to me, so I could delete them from my cell phone and without remorse reply to Mr. Blackberry in the affirmative when he asks if I’m sure.
What is blogworthy is the characterization of McConaughey’s character of the “player” male who treats women as pure sexual conveyances and runs from commitment like the Roadrunner from Wile E. Coyote. Well, I’m here to tell you that this all or nothing depiction of men as either the scoundrel commitment-phobe or the spineless American hubbie who lives to tackle his list of Honey Do items on the weekends is nothing short of weak and oversimplified.
To thrive as a man you should be neither black nor white but rather, a sweet shade of grey. Don’t be a total sap or a complete douche bag. Be a confident man that women will be drawn to because you believe in yourself and pursue your passion, not because you just pretend to. Do things for the woman in your life because you really want to make her happy. If you’re doing it for any other reason, then I’m afraid you’re with the wrong woman.
Being a real man in the year 2011 means resisting the emasculation of men by the media and all those girlfriends who suggest you should embrace your feminine side. It involves unearthing your true old school steak eating, scotch drinking, male qualities of confidence, unabashed pursuit of that which you desire and a commitment to your core values and true friends in the face of adversity. All of these qualities will make you both a more complete man and attractive to women beyond your wildest expectations.
