The first time when I was given flowers by a woman...

The concept of men receiving love is so foreign that men avoid expressing their romantic needs in a relationship. In order to keep the tough facade alive, men do not resort to softening themselves up, for their partner. They like to keep their tough game face on because ultimately, who wants a man who cries out of happiness? —or at least, that’s what most men think.
The first time I cried was when I showed a very vulnerable side of myself in front of a woman. Back then in my 20s, when I used to be a student, all I cared about was how I could land a woman by charming my way into her heart. Even though I have flirted with many women, my heart was set on this woman who exuded confidence and was a rare beauty. She didn’t meet the standards of beauty back then, but she was enough to set my heart ablaze.
She was also passionate like me; she liked to achieve her goals and make the most out of her life. Even though we were in our 20s, she had the maturity of an old, wise woman. Her approach to life was what made me attracted to her. She was the total opposite of me but I kept inching close to her. We became friends soon and we hung out in college often. Slowly, I felt the inexplicable need to save and protect her from the world, from those who would take her innocence away and hurt her. I gained a tough facade only for her.
There were times when I wanted to cry due to the problems I was facing at home, but I dared not to bring this side of myself in front of anyone. After all, nobody would want to be with a weak man. I didn’t express my feelings to anyone but made sure I soften up at least, a little bit for her because she was the most precious person to me back then.
However, one day, she gifted me a couple of flowers in the form of a bouquet after college when we went to our spot behind the campus. At first, I was appalled at the thought of taking flowers from a woman. But then she said something that brought tears to my eyes. I still remember clearly to this day, “these flowers are a sign of your strong heart and that it is okay to soften up and let out your emotions once in a while.” I broke down into tears. With all the problems going on in my home, I couldn’t take it anymore. I cried quietly in front of her while holding the flowers while she consoled me while patting my back.
It has been 36 years since I last saw her. Even though we didn’t end up together, she taught me one of the most valuable lessons in my life—even if society condemns it, it is okay to cry and be vulnerable.
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