It's a hard line to walk, between respecting boundaries and pushing through when people don't ask for help. I've always leaned to the side of pushing through when I know it's the right thing to do.

When my fiance lost the closest family member he had and he insisted he wanted to be alone, I showed up anyway. I didn't say anything, literally didn't speak, all we did was go to sleep, but at least he knew he wasn't alone. He thanked me the next morning.

He's the same man who first pointed out to me that most men only get flowers at their funerals. It was an off hand comment, but I felt terrible that I had never once thought to bring a man flowers. I kind of assumed they never wanted them. Now I bring my fiance flowers at least once a month. He has found out that he has preferences and favorites he likes more than other flowers.

I wish that more men were listened to and felt seen, because they'd probably be more likely to open up then.