And I read maps rather well, too — in fact, one of my best friends always depends on me to give him directions on how to get to or from somewhere.

But I also get to explore my creative and emotional sides in my (unpaid) work as an actor, dancer, and singer in community theatre and ballroom dance.

I’ve met some amazing men in theatre and dance — because those are realms where being a sensitive, emotional man is more acceptable. I find these men to be much more admirable than the “macho” men who try to be “tough” all the time (I tend to meet more men like that in the business world). Two of my best friends are sensitive, creative men; one is my acting coach and the other is a professionally-trained actor/singer/dancer.

They’re deep and rich, and that’s where you get the good info! Of course, they can also knock you out, so approaching them carefully is necessary!

In the book and CD set, I talk about why people tend to ignore their emotions (it’s normal!), but ! contrast that with how important it is to understand what the emotions are trying to convey.

Interestingly, wallowing in them isn’t good either. To work with them, there’s a kind of skillful dance you have to do. And women are able to learn that dance (well, some women are), while men are often told to go outside and build something or play football!

But when you learn what the emotions are saying, you don’t suddenly get all emotional all over the place. In fact, you may become less overtly “out there” with your emotions, because you can learn to manage them yourself, rather than slapping them away, or expressing them all over the street or something!

Here’s the thing: If you’ve got the kind of superhuman strength it takes to deny emotions, then you’ve got all the strength you need to be able to listen to them. Yay!

Thanks!