Man Up!

We attended freshman orientation last week. They deliberately separated the boys from the parents to make a point. It was time they said, for the boys to begin their journey of becoming a man. They were not to come running to Mommy and Daddy each time they met an obstacle and parents were asked to leave them to figure out solutions on their own. In other words, they were to "man up"!

I had heard of that expression only once before, so I looked it up. Urban dictionary provides one definition as strapping on a pair, and to stop being such a complete and utter wuss. More politely, it means to work through impediments without whining. It is normally said in reference to the male species but it applies to everyone.

I could sense that a lot of the parents were having separation anxiety yet we acknowledged that it was time. If our children were to learn to stand on their own two feet, we had to be brave enough to let go. Much as we would like to protect them throughout their lives, it is just not possible. Life is not easy, they will be dealt many blows and they have to develop the skills not only to get through, but to come out a winner.

There are days when we hate our jobs, yet we plod along since there are responsibilities we have to fulfill. There are days when relationships are hard, yet we do not run away at the slightest excuse. There are no exceptions, most of the time, we all have to man up.