For many women, the idea of being guided by men can be a difficult concept to reconcile. For some of us, the wounds of past relationships or experiences have left us feeling deeply suspicious and distrustful of the masculine energy that is so prevalent in male figures. But it is possible to find healthy masculine guidance from men outside of romantic relationships. By allowing ourselves to open up to this kind of guidance, we can learn how to not just become more masculine but how to become healthier in our masculinity.

Healthy masculinity looks different for everyone. For some, it may mean learning how to express their emotions without fear or shame. For others, it may mean learning how to trust themselves and their intuition without relying on another person for validation. It could also look like setting healthy boundaries with other people, or simply allowing yourself to receive support and guidance from those who care about you. Whatever it looks like for you, healthy masculinity is something that we all need in order to live our happiest lives.

It’s important not just to embrace our own healthy masculinity but also to seek out male support outside of romantic relationships. This doesn’t just mean seeking out platonic male friends—although that can be helpful—but also mentors or role models who can help guide us through life’s challenges and provide us with a safe space where we can feel loved and supported without fear or judgement. This kind of male presence can be incredibly healing for someone who has been hurt by a man before, because it allows them to see men as something other than an object of romance or passion—which often leads only to disappointment.

For many deeply wounded women, trusting men again after years of pain and disappointment can seem impossible—but it doesn’t have to be! By finding the right mentor or role model and embracing our own healthy masculinity, we can start down the path towards healing our wounds and finding true joy in life again. We don’t have to be ashamed of our past pain; instead, we should use that pain as fuel for growth and transformation so that we can finally experience the safe love and guidance that comes with having a supportive male figure in our lives once again.