Where are all the men?

Photograph taken in Aberdeen by Tom Joy (www.tomjoy.co.uk)

This is the one question that many women up and down the country and beyond ask every single day in canteens, workplaces and even at home? Where are they? Where are all those gentlemen? Why do virtually none of them exist?

Its actually very depressing that we as a society worldwide have had to resort to hearing this question being asked time and time again. But what on earth has happened to cause this question to arise?

Personally, I find it disheartening that this question is now probably the biggest question when it comes to talking about romance. Have we men lost the plot when it comes to behaving like a real man? Is this why this question is being asked all the time now?

I don't think there is one single right answer to address all of the questions that I have set out. I know there is a lot of talk about how men have been characteristically emasculated, particularly this example from the Daily Telegraph in 2008.

But frankly, I don't treat the world as if one group, gender or set of people rule it completely. I'm actually a God fearing individual and I make no apology for that. I'm an individualist. I think everyone has an entitlement to express their individual identity, character and personality without fear or favour, as long as they don't set out to offend people directly or maliciously. And for men, that means being confident, witty, happy, enthusiastic about life and their career and just generally having fun - I think women like that and wouldn't expect anything less.

But, and I invite any female reader to agree or disagree with me, I think women expect the following from a man when it comes to the framework and dynamics of a typical heterosexual romantic relationship:

- The man has an automatic duty to look after his other half without being triggered or reminded to do so emotionally, physically and with her welfare.
- The man kisses and hugs his other half upon her arrival and treats her like her Queen, asks how she is and how delighted he is to see her.
- The man looks after the home, cooks the evening meal for his other half and cleans up the dishes when his other half has absolutely every right to sit down and watch The Great British Bake Off on BBC Two after a long hard day at work (or any other TV programme for that matter).
- The man smiles proudly knowing that he is lucky to be loved, cared for and to have done his duty for his other half.

A man should be a man, not a little petulant boy who spits out the dummy when things don't go his way. The world doesn't revolve around us. Nor should it now. Women are more successful than ever before and have every right to succeed and be supported in their careers.

Fellow gentlemen, let's wave the flag for chivalry!