30/10/2025
Where have all the good men gone?
The song ‘I need a hero’ from the 80’s popped into my head (this caption references the lyric to set the tone).
I was on a call yesterday with two good men. And whilst I generally don’t like using the term ‘good’ or ‘bad’ to describe someone, for the purpose of this post please bear with me.
I am blessed to be surrounded by ‘good’ men that I admire, trust and respect!
I LOVE Men.
And, it hasn’t always been this way.
One of the men on this call had to pause for a moment during the call to collect himself. He wasn’t used to receiving ‘support’ (and genuine warmth & care) from a woman.
His ‘experience’ from someone he trusted and loved, was that he had unfairly been labeled ‘an abuser’.
Now, I want to be really f*cking clear here.
I am in NO Way shape or form Victim blaming or shaming.
AND, I want to point out the difference between being an actual ‘victim of abuse’, and claiming to have been a victim of abuse and having a victim consciousness.
Because there is a big f*cking difference.
I have been a victim of ‘real’ dv abuse and sexual abuse at the hands of men during my 50yrs of life on this planet. I have also been on the receiving end of victim shaming and blaming. This is NOT That.
Abuse is about harm and control, not boundaries. Boundaries are a sign of care, not control. I am sick to death of seeing ‘good men’ who are honest, caring, and doing the work, being labeled as such.
Men's mental health often flies under the radar due to stigma, work pressures, and the need to appear "strong."
I want to support the men who are honest, caring, and doing healthy work on boundaries, while calling out harmful labeling that's unfair or triggering for people who have actually experienced abuse.
Mislabeling a man’s healthy boundary-setting as abuse can hurt real survivors, and can take resources from someone who is legitimately in harm’s way and actually being abused.
It’s not about who’s right; it’s about safety and respect for everyone.
To the men who show up with respect, set boundaries, and seek healthy relationships: your care is real, and boundaries aren't abuse.
If you've ever been labeled unfairly for standing up for yourself or for expressing needs, you're not alone.
This is for you:
You deserve safety, respect, and support. If you're unsure about a label you've been given, or you're supporting someone who's been wrongly accused, you’re still valuable and worthy of care.
Reach out, get support, and keep showing up with integrity. Strength isn't silence.
Tag a man you admire for healthy boundaries and accountability.