As I reminisce and go back in memory to two and a half decades back in life to those beautiful ads from Raymond, you realize how pertinent they are whatever the timeline be past, present or future. It still remains germane and rooted to the realities of life.
This is how you would like to be seen and perceived, as an ideal Man who plays different roles as a Friend, Husband and Father.
Friend:
A friend who can share laugh thinking about those zaniest moments you had in School or College. Cry with you when you lose something invaluable. Who is willing to go with you on an impromptu adventurous ride without knowing where we are heading or the purpose behind it. Stands by you and faces the wrath of your parents or others when something terribly goes wrong, even though you are at fault. Provides all the courage to seek the hand of the girl you are in pursuit, despite the odds. Motivates you and is willing to walk with you to earth’s end, when the chips are down. Feels downright happy from the depths of their heart, when you succeed, irrespective of where they are. Who is a brother (sister), though not out of the same womb? Who feels absolutely at home, as if it’s their home, irrespective of your parents of anyone else being there? Take all the liberty to chide and correct you when you go astray. Whom you can proudly pronounce, here is a friend who will give up his life to protect mine.
Husband:
That’s a tricky one. It’s really tough to tick all the boxes right. Or is the right word impossible as the expectations will always be beyond the skies, moon and other planetary orbits. If Gods can fail, what a simple Man can accomplish. Yet, let’s give it a try. Be gentle, caring, attentive, (listen with an intent to hear, understand and empathize, I know it sounds stressful and demanding), do not intrude while they are talking (which happens all the time and you won’t get your chance) and lend a helping hand, at least offer that you are willing to help, even if you don’t end up doing it. Do not impose yourselves upon her. Let her be as she is, free as a bird and fly unfettered. Make love…don’t see her as an object of love. What is that zany word? My head is spinning uncontrollably already. Understand her requirements and get it even before she asks for it, surprise her and you would be astonished with the outcome. Shower her with all the gifts you can provide and that will make her special, wanted and precious. They just simply cherish it. Shop with them and hold the bags until your legs ache, stomach churns, head swirls and you are about to fall down exasperated and enervated. All while, they hop from one shop to another with evermore zest and fervour. This will go on forever, so let’s take a pause and say…I surrender… (body, mind and soul)….whether I do this to God or not….you don’t have a choice here. It’s a given…
Father:
Father is someone who can stop the world for the sound of their child. From the time, they step into this world; everything else ceases to exist in that moment of elixir to soothe the cries of the child. A dad’s world revolves around their Children. They simply breathe so that they can provide a wholesome life for their Children. From the initial baby cuddles protecting them from unknown fear, holding their tiny hands as they try to take their first steps, playing their games and becoming children of heaven, laughing and crying with them as part of their learning, picking them up as they fall down, cleaning and healing their bruises, both external and internal, guiding them as they grow and imbibe the lessons of life and immerse themselves in this wild world, showing them the differences between right and wrong, teaching them the morals of life, though not dogmatic, allowing them to be independent and help them choose their path…where they learn to let go and move on self-reliantly, knowing full well, you are always there in their rear view mirror…that’s what Dads are…
Disclaimer- Now to the million $ question of what are you in these roles now that you have written about them, the answer is simple…I am a nobody and nowhere close to the experience laid out in the above paragraphs. As always it’s quite easy to preach and be eloquent about what is the desired and idealistic view of world, people and society. It’s extremely difficult to practice in realistic situations. However, we humans like to believe we can reach that perfect state somewhere in our life and keep searching for it until our last breath. Enjoy life while it lasts…whichever way it is…with the people that you love and matters to you.
Beautiful Life 