To the Good Men: Thank You
The long-awaited post, as mentioned in my guest appearance on Porch Talk with Spade (Episode 8).
So I’ve made it a point to shout out the incredible women in my life — my sisters, soulmates, healers, business queens, and co-warriors. And rightfully so. But today, I want to flip the script for a minute and give some long-overdue love to a group we don’t always talk about when it comes to healing, strength, and support…
The good men.
Over the years, friendships have come and gone, and life has shown me again and again that people come into our lives exactly when they’re meant to. Sometimes it’s a blessing. Sometimes it’s a lesson. And sometimes, it’s both.
Recently, I reminded a friend — who was grieving the end of a relationship simply for setting a boundary — that sometimes the Universe (God, Spirit, whatever name you prefer) removes people we wouldn’t have removed ourselves. That gentle nudge helped her shift perspective. And it reminded me how sacred it is when the right people stay. Or show up exactly when we need them most.
I’ve heard people say, “Men and women can’t be just friends.” And I don’t buy it. I think it’s absolutely possible — with respect, boundaries, and clarity. Some of the most meaningful, grounding, and honest relationships in my life have been with men who never asked anything of me other than to just be myself.
These are men who let me vent, cry, cuss, and be “one of the guys” when I needed that space. But also showed me emotional depth, vulnerability, and truth that broke stereotypes and healed my heart in ways I didn’t know I needed.
And more importantly — they showed up for my kids.
As some of you know, and others will find out, my boys don’t have active or healthy fathers in their lives. And while that’s a story for another day (or a podcast), what I want to say is this: when my oldest was struggling this past year, I had the honor of calling on some truly remarkable men who stepped up. Who gave their time, their presence, their wisdom, and their love — with no strings attached.
Men who checked in, showed up, and stood tall.
Men who reminded my son that he matters, and that being a man includes being kind, vulnerable, strong, and soft.
Men who reminded me that I’m a badass mom even when I felt like I was barely holding it together.
These are men breaking generational cycles. Men becoming what they never had. Men raising children who aren’t biologically theirs, loving them as their own. Men grieving devastating losses. Navigating toxic co-parenting dynamics. Fighting addiction. Battling mental health in silence. Doing the same emotional work we talk about with women — but without the same community or encouragement.
And still, they show up.
One friend of mine — who has supported me and my boys countless times — recently confided that he was in a dark mental space. And it hit me like a wave. Because I don’t know what our lives would look like without him in it. But he spoke up. And that, to me, is a superpower. In a world where men are told to “man up” instead of speak out, that kind of vulnerability is revolutionary.
So today, this one’s for the men who don’t always get the thanks they deserve.
To the ones who stand beside women, not in front of or behind them.
To the ones who break cycles and build bridges.
To the ones who are healing too — even if the world rarely makes space for your tears.
To the ones who treat friendship as sacred, not transactional.
To the ones raising good humans, with or without a blueprint.
Thank you.
For the strength you show.
For the strength you hide.
For reminding us all that goodness still exists.
We may talk a lot about women’s healing on this blog — and we will continue to — because we talk about what we live. But make no mistake: your healing matters too.
So here’s to the good men. The ones who help build the life we dream of. One friendship, one conversation, one act of love at a time.
With a safe space and a hug,
Lauren
P.S. You should know who you are, but just in case:
Brian (Imperial Photography), Dylan, Taylor, Casey, Christian, Brandon, Kevin, Gerret, Worth, Jim… thank you.
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