Sometimes I hear girls complain about the fact that they can’t find any good guys.

I don’t know what they’re talking about.

They are everywhere and I am blessed to have the privilege to know so many of them. I see great men in my grandfathers, my father, brothers, uncles, cousins, friends, co-workers, boyfriends, and neighbors.

These men inspire me to be a better woman. So thank you. Thank you for being a great man when you hold your temper… when you tell me I’m beautiful… when you’re okay with not being the center of my universe because you know Jesus deserves and holds that place… when you’re not afraid to call me out, to let me know the areas I need to grow in no matter how awkward it may be. You’re a great man when you refuse to let me be stubborn about my independence when it’s obvious I need a more skilled, helping hand.

If any man were to question whether or not his life has meaning, whether he has “made it” as a man, I’m here to tell you that I asked your sisters in Christ to affirm the great men that they know and I got over 6 pages of responses. We see your efforts. And we appreciate you. Keep striving to be the best version of yourself; and if you’re ever unsure if it makes a difference… read this again.

You’re a Great Man When…

“You’re a great man when you make bold sacrifices.” – Leah M.

“You’re a great man when you remember to greet my friends and family members when we’re out together. That simple hello says a lot about your character!” – Erin H.

“You’re a great man when you inspire me to be a better person by the way you live each day. When you work out not for vanity’s sake, but so you can be the strength I lean on. And after all, what’s the point of triceps if you’re not using them to lift the old woman’s suitcase into the overhead compartment on the airplane? I want you to know that more than any compliments or courtesy’s you show to me, I watch the way you treat the cashier, the waitress, your little sister. The little moments of you being an authentic man of God in the small everyday ways, those are the ones that count.” – Maureen M.

“You are a great man when you show love for the Blessed Mother.” – Casey O.

“You’re a great man when you offer to help strangers, bear frustrations patiently, and hold yourself accountable as a leader and protector.” – Emily A.

“You’re a great man of God when you help me see and love in myself, what God the Father beholds every time He sees me. You are a great man when you reveal to me, that which I cannot see in myself.” – Maddy B.

“When you drive to my house before going to work in the morning to leave a love note and rose in the car door handle.” – Joan N.

“You’re a great man when you are intelligent, clear-spoken, and don’t keep me guessing what your intentions are.” – Jessica S.

“You’re a great man when you seek holiness more than attention, sainthood more than popularity and the Lord’s will more than your own.” – Kristina P

“You’re a great man when you keep your relationship with God as your number one priority, and find all your confidence in Him. You’re a great man when you let Him guide your steps, and walk boldly in the direction He leads you. You’re a great man when you are clear and considerate with my heart. And you’re a great man when you plan and execute a fun date!” – Rachel A.

You’re a great man when you are a servant leader. I am so thankful when men are decisive, confident, and intentional. – Meg M.

“You’re a great man when you protect the women in your life without seeking to control them.” – Rachel J.

“You’re a great man when you bow before the Eucharist.” – Lily H.

“You’re a great man when you’re not afraid of using your strengths… when you are not afraid of what other people might think about your boldness in letting your light shine instead of being mediocre like everyone else. When you do that, you give the other men and even the ladies in your life permission to be themselves, too.” – Emily P.

“You’re a great man when you pray for your future wife. She just might be praying for you too.” – Olivia M.

“You’re a great man when you reject passivity and actively strive to live as an authentic disciple and when you desire heaven more than earthly things.” – Colleen S.

“You’re a great man when you carry your cross with joy and laughter.” – Gaby P.

“You’re a great man when I can tell that you’re interested in and paying attention to what I’m saying and can carry on a conversation. Not because you’re interested in pursuing me, but because you respect me as a person.” – Casey H.

“You’re a great man when you advocate for the dignity of women… When you refuse to accept societal norms like casual hook-ups, pornography and abortion but rather encourage women to see their true beauty as daughters of God.” – Amanda A.

“You’re a great man when you don’t mind the smell of nail polish at all. (All the boys in Ike’s band let me paint my nails in the tour van — amazing!!) You’re a great man when you know that all the strength you need is the strength that comes from being rooted in Christ.” – Emily W.

“You’re a great man when you are not afraid to show how you feel and to share your thoughts and heart with me.” – Amanda G.

“You’re a great man when you speak passionately and positively about what is important to you no matter what others may think… when you cook, grill, roast, CREATE, make something.” – Kaitlin B.

“You’re a great man when you keep the romance alive in our marriage in the little ways, like when you watch all 7 kids so that I can get out of the house and have some alone time… when you let me sleep in and bring me breakfast in bed at 11:30am… and when you clean the kitchen after dinner even though I know you hate doing dishes… and when you call me every single day after work to ask me if I need anything from the store.” Mary S.

“You’re a great man when you sing badly so I have the confidence to sing in all my off-key glory.” – Corinne M.

“You’re a great man when you are vulnerable to God’s love.” – Alexandra E

“You’re a great man when you ask me to pray with you, and know the lyrics to my favorite song.” – Patty T.

“You’re a great man when you make God the center of your life over me, choose to do God’s will over mine, and trust God more than you trust yourself. And a good sense of humor is essential!” – Anne W.

“You’re a great man when you decide to do what’s right, rather than what is easy. When you respect a woman’s boundaries, not just because she has set them but, because you desire them as well.” Erika R.

“You’re a great man when your personal need for masculine dominance is second to the universal necessity of justice and compassion.” – Margaret S.

Photo by Aundre Larrow, logo added.