I often hear people say that they want a "strong" man, or they want to be a strong man, but do you really know what strength is? What is it you’re really asking for?
Strength does not come from power, or fear, or material things. Strength comes from the ability to be ethical, moral, loyal and honest. Strength comes from the ability to commit to the long term goals and dreams of your unit. To be able to communicate and compromise. However, don’t be mistaken, being a genuinely strong man can be very difficult at times.
Strong men will have bad days, amazing days, moments of weakness and will be scared at times and have many moments of triumph. They will fight the battle of trying to protect their unit and their heart at the same time. Strong men have a tendency to hold things in because they are scared the conversation will be taken out of context or will cause unwanted distention. Being strong all the times, means you will walk into battle daily with those who are not as strong, those who are not morally aligned and those who challenge you both mentally and physically.
The one place of relief that must be available is at home. Strong people support other strong people, despite the alpha-male notion. In a gay relationship, it may take some time for these roles to be discovered and ironed out. Both parties will flip roles almost several times a day but, do you know how to support a strong man? If you are strong, don't assume it's the same as what you need. Keep in mind that strong men don’t need things when they come home to you, they need time. They need love, compliments, reassurance, random acts of kindness, intimacy, and most importantly to know you will have their back when they aren't around and they can't fend for themselves.
Strong men often have a million things going through their mind at one time. Examples would be big work projects, bills, home tasks and just simply ensuring their partner has everything they need. They do all of this joyfully, simply because they love to love their partner and when fully committed, they will drop and give everything for the unit. This is all healthy love we deserve and need, but keep in mind that just like a muscle, that strong man needs to be massaged, given a chance to heal and rest and no matter who you are, you have a major role in that process.
In summary, don't assume being a strong man is easy or something that can be measured by material things or actual strength. Measure it by their actions, ability to set their own fears and feelings a side for the unit, and their commitment to fight any battle or enemy of the unit. Identify that you have a strong man, love him, nurture him, and remember that you are much more important to him than you will ever imagine.