Less

Admitting you are wrong doesn't make you less of a man.  Saying you're sorry doesn't do it either.  Neither does walking next to the woman you're with rather than ahead of her.  Or acknowledging that, as a grown person herself, her thoughts might be as valuable as yours.  Placing someone else's needs before your own doesn't make you any less important.  And, no one is going to take away your "man card" for looking her in the eye when she's talking to you.

Look at her.  The woman behind you.  That's where she always is - in your corner.  Quietly cleaning up your messes.  Always making excuses for the choices you make.  Carrying the weight of the family you chose to create while you decide, much too late, if it's the right place for you.  Look at her.  She's not perfect, but she tried for a long time to be just that for you.  She put you ahead of herself for so long that she's forgotten what your face looks like when you smile.  She knows every hair on the back of your head, but couldn't tell you what your eyes look like in the sunshine.  That woman is tired now.  Tired of living in the wide shadow you cast.  Tired of claiming to be ok at the bottom of your list.  Just tired.

Being a man is about being strong and independent, true.  It is about a strong back and skilled hands.  It is surely about force of will and depth of honor.  But you misunderstand what those are to be used for.  A back strong enough to carry your responsibilities on.  Hands skilled in holding her gently when she needs it and pulling her through the difficulties when she needs that.  The force of will it takes to not accept every opportunity that crosses your path because you know the road you chose already has everyone you need.  And, honor held deep enough to be able to look her in the eye and know you would rather lose a limb than her trust.

So, look at her.  Turn around and look for her.  She isn't where you expected, is she?  She put away her broom and stopped making your excuses.  She doesn't carry your weight anymore, and now agrees that this isn't the right place for you.  She doesn't try to be perfect for you anymore, and she now sees she never could have been.  Your corner is empty of the strength and devotion you took for granted.

And that makes you less of a man.