Why Lost Men Don’t Ask for Directions
Have you ever wondered why it is so hard for men to stop and ask for directions?
One of the best explanations I’ve ever heard about this condition came from television character and Canadian icon Red Green. He put it this way:
“Ok, primarily it’s a pride thing. We’re out there, we’re driving around in our own vehicles, burning gas, got the sunglasses on, we’re looking good. People who see us going by would never guess that we have no idea where we are. And we’re not real excited about sharing that information. A man does not embrace the concept of going up to total strangers and saying, ‘You may not know this, but I’m a moron.’”
“See to a woman, getting lost when you are on a trip is just a blameless act of nature. But to a man it’s a sign of personal failure. He knew where he was when he left; he doesn’t know where he is now. Somewhere along the way he crossed the line between the world he knows and the world he doesn’t know. That’s exactly the way he feels about when he got married, and when he had kids. So if he admits he’s lost in his car, he’s going to have to admit he’s lost in those other areas as well. That’s way too much to ask.”
How can something be so funny, sad and true all at the same time?
Have you ever been lost and too proud to stop and ask for directions?
As a driver?
As a husband?
As a father?
It’s ok to admit it when we’re lost. It’s not a sign of personal failure. We were not meant to do this alone. Jesus sent the Twelve out two by two. Heck, even the Lone Ranger had a trusty sidekick. How ironic is that?
Next time you feel lost, don’t hesitate to stop and ask for directions. Your wife will thank you. Your kids will thank you. Your passengers will thank you.
When is the last time you stopped and asked for directions?
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
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I love that you quoted the Red Green Show. That is awesometastic. This is something that I've learned or have been learning to do more and more.
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Yep, I like Red. Anybody who can do that much with duct tape has my admiration. Thanks, Michael!
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That actually explains a lot – thanks for sharing.
Thanks!
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My pleasure, Zenichka. I honestly didn't understand the source of that trait in myself either, until I heard Red's explanation. Cheers!
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Great reminder and challenge!
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Thank you, Kevin!
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so funny, sad and true at the same time..
Thanks, glad you stopped by!
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Ouch, read me like a book. I don't know the last time I asked – I'm definitely guilty of this kind of pride.
Me too, Mo. I think that's why Red's story stuck with me so much. Thanks for sharing!
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Fantastic post.
I know how I feel and I feel like asking directions in life.
It don't feel like I can ask directions until other men tell me it is okay and is actually a good thing to do.
Thanks for letting us know it is okay to ask.
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Thanks for the venue to share this, David. It's great to have forums like this where we can help each other along.
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Guilty! Not only am I too proud to stop for directions, but I get in a nasty mood when I don't know where I am. I had a female laugh because I was so upset and I snapped at her! I had to apologize big time.
Great post Larry!
Getting lost and getting in a foul mood seem to go hand in hand for me as well. I'm thankful that my wife puts up with me! Always great to hear from you, Tony.
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That's why I now often ask my wife to navigate. Thanks, Lisa!
Why Lost Men Don't Ask for Directions http://t.co/AMlGahB via @strivematurity