I knew from a very early age that I liked men. Nothing strange about that, but being an introvert since childhood didn’t give me the confidence to speak my heart out. So here I am today, expressing what was inside me and still persists to this day.

The wave of feminism bestowed the world with great female leaders, and we cannot deny that it was essential for uplifting the underdeveloped and underrepresented category of women. But let’s not get into the political aspect; instead, let’s explore the tangent where our hearts are connected—the space where Adam and Eve lead to magnificent creations.

I have already affirmed my admiration for men, but there was a time when my focus and loyalty were entirely with women. My perception was biased, and I wasn’t ready to empathize with the other gender. Years of love, heartbreak, and hormonal chaos have brought about a gradual transformation in my heart. I have always emphasized the word ‘empathy,’ but unfortunately, I forgot to apply it in this one aspect and ended up making women victims and men scavengers.

To be honest, it’s still the same to some extent. I still have a stronger inclination (women love women) toward my own race. The only difference is that now I consciously apply empathy here too, giving men the benefit of the doubt. After all, why should women have all the fun?

This article is dedicated to a beautiful creation—man. Hi! Please don’t hate me for this. I’m both a friend and a foe. My admiration for beauty is very similar to Keats’. So here’s my definition of how I find men beautiful.

“If a girl can be a Barbie, a man can be a Pookie”

My opinions do not adhere to the boundaries of words or the conventional demarcations of what’s meant for women versus men. Since the day I started writing poems, I’ve had this habit of using unconventional words, and the same applies when I describe men. If you see through my lens, I could take a decade appreciating the simplest yet fascinating creatures on Earth—living life with minimal accessories.

Talking about their appearance, sometimes I think God has been a little biased with men, as they’ve been blessed with the best bodily features. I mean, how come they don’t even need mascara? Those thick lashes, which every girl craves, are naturally theirs—and that’s how mascara found its relevance in our world. For us, it becomes a painstaking job to get ready and then undo it all. Uff! That’s a whole area of expertise.

And did anyone notice the glowing skin men have, achieved just by rubbing that shabby soap lying in the bathroom? For girls, that level of radiance comes after a three-step skincare regime! This debate has been going on forever—girls supposedly take time to get ready because we’re “slapping on lots of makeup.” But isn’t it necessary? Look at their naturally chiseled cheeks that need no contour or bronzer, and their naturally flushed lips that women achieve by layering lip gloss and lipstick. Now you know why women use makeup—it’s because men are already blessed with it.

And let’s not forget their “skincare routine.” I’ve seen men lather coconut oil on nearly every inch of their skin, which would clog our pores but somehow doesn’t affect theirs! Alas, we have no choice but to use that very same coconut oil as to remove that waterproof makeup.

I haven’t even gotten past their faces yet, and there’s still the whole body left to admire. We girls dream of having big booties and thick thighs, so we hit the gym and work out tirelessly. Meanwhile, some guy casually walks by flaunting those curves with no effort at all! That sight shocks me every Wednesday and Saturday at the gym. And to those who claim girls only focus on glutes at the gym—well, yes, because naturally, we’re not blessed with them!

“Behind every brave face is a silent man”

Let me clarify—this is not to offend anyone who might have concerns about their skin or body. Every body is beautiful in its own way. Some find beauty in darker skin tones, others in hairy bodies, and some in fair, glossy skin. There’s nothing wrong with that, right? I think I’ve now showered enough admiration on the sculpted bodies of men, and it’s clear how much allure they hold for me.

But being a man is not easy, is it? It’s an unspoken responsibility these mild creatures bear. Even here, God was a bit biased, giving men the phrase ‘be strong.’ How can a man always be strong? Is he a tree or a mountain? Being strong often means suppressing vulnerability, creating an image of a zombie-like figure—stoic, detached, and indifferent.

Men are also told to become the “pillars” of their families. Really? So now a man has to be a tree, a mountain, and a pillar, but he still isn’t allowed to be a human with emotions. Perhaps it makes sense to some—if men displayed emotions, the hypothetical foundation of their unsaid liabilities might crumble.

It’s ingrained in them that whenever they encounter any situation, preconceived notions of masculinity pop into their heads, forcing them to respond with a monotone we women often despise. For instance, how can it be acceptable to respond with ‘acha hai’ to every single question? And have you seen these beautiful creatures at funerals? They maintain a poker face amidst the exaggerated howling of loved ones.

But let’s not mind that too much. Boys are simple souls who don’t ask for much. However, when it comes to crying, it feels like breaking an unspoken rule. They’re made to believe that showing tears means they’ve failed the code of manhood.

It’s not that men don’t want to express the pain or loneliness in their hearts. It’s just that it’s directly tied to the vulnerability quotient society has attached to masculinity. Whether it’s seeing their mother in pain or their beloved walking away, a human cannot remain unaffected by these emotions. Of course, they feel the excruciating ache but choose to hide it from the world.

This suppression of emotions gives us the image of a “strong” and “sturdy” man. But the inner loneliness often leads to toxic traits, mental health struggles, and, sadly, depression. Poor babies! The inner silence and the temptation to say ‘I’m not okay’ gets buried deep inside their hearts.

My very dear friend Mr. Ramola, in 7th standard, once said to us in a jostling manner during our exams, “Har ek ladki ke liye ek ladka padta hai.” Funny, right? Back then, it was just a joke that made us giggle. But now, as I’ve grown up, I see the deeper layers to it. Today, when I look at a man in his formal outfit, navigating his professional world with composure, I can empathize with the struggles behind that polished appearance.

“Let’s hold their hands and whisper, ‘You are special to me’”

I now understand that a man’s shoulders aren’t just for a girl to cry over her spilled relationships. Those shoulders bear the weight of expectations, pressures, and career struggles that society often overlooks. Men are told, “If you fail, people will question your worth.” They are taught to measure their success by their achievements and their bank balances, rarely given the space to just be. But as I see it now, perhaps it’s time to redefine what makes a man worthy. It’s not the size of his paycheck or the title on his business card, but the kindness in his heart and the strength in his character. A man who stands tall not because of his wealth but because of his values—he’s the one worth celebrating. So, how about we stop measuring a man by his pockets and start appreciating the battles he fights every day, quietly, with resilience and grace? That’s the kind of man the world needs more of.

It’s astonishing how much we expect from men, yet we often overlook the simple gestures that could make them feel cherished. We talk about grand displays of affection, but perhaps it’s time to shift the focus and show them a little love in return. Let’s pamper these wonderful beings with adoration and flowers—the very tokens of courtesy often reserved for the first date. Why not take them out for a special day, hold their hands, and let them know, “You are special to me.” In today’s world, where equality is celebrated, it’s only fair that men and women are seen as equals in expressing love and vulnerability. If a girl can be a Barbie, a man can absolutely be a pookie. I may not know much about this word, but I do know it carries a warmth and emotion that speaks volumes. It’s time we redefine our expressions of love and let men know that they, too, deserve to be adored and cared for.