He says he's a thug. He uses nasty words like it's his job. He brags that he has done laundry only two times in his life. He dresses like he gives no hoot for the world.

And he plays Pachelbel beautifully on the piano. Without being prompted. There are other things going on, nobody notices or gives him any attention for it. (I, in disbelief that it's him, wander in from the other room to make sure.)

This culture squashes us. Men aren't how they are meant to be and neither are women.

But we're in there somewhere.

Sorry buddy, if I didn't think you were thuggish before, I definitely don't think you are now. But you did gain yourself a lot of respect.

I always complain about how society objectifies women. But it does the same thing to men. It might not be as visible or as easy to catch. I hate it when guys discuss how girls look. But I do the same thing. It's disgusting.

I've been asking G to teach me how to see guys like He does. To see past what society says. To see past the stereotypes.

And wowo is he showing me!

I definitely can't play Pachelbel (or anything) that beautifully on piano.