Maybe I am committing a major faux pas as a woman by saying this, but; not all men are pigs. Somewhere along the line I missed out on the inborn symptom of hating all men that cross my path, but I for one don’t see the point in shaming all men for the actions of a few. Now, I am not ignorant to the fact that most violence is caused by men; they can be abusive, cheaters, narcissistic, and foolish. However, I have been fortunate enough to have met some pretty awesome men in my life who surpass their “asshole stereotype” in every regard. Ladies, there is no need to hate everything and everyone that possesses a Y chromosome.

It deeply saddens me that we live in a generation where it is considered controversial to defend a gender that is not my own. For a nation that is supposed to be “teaching” us love, equality and mutual respect, it is turning a blind eye to 49.2% of the population. How is it fair for men to be automatically feared, stereotyped, or criticized just for their genetic makeup?

I’m aware that I am every feminist’s worst nightmare when it comes to my thoughts on men, and I’m also aware that anyone who thinks contrary to me has probably already stopped reading, rolled their eyes, and moved on. I don’t just think this way because I feel bad for men, screw that, this world is brutal and there is really no time to stop and feel sorry for someone. I think this way because two very special men in my life have taught me not all men are pigs, not even close. These two men are my father and my boyfriend, both I hold so dearly in my heart and have helped shape me to be exactly who I’m supposed to be.

When it comes to “relationship goals” I don’t have to look too far. Nope; not Instagram, Twitter, or any other form of social media can hold a candle to what my parents have. My dad has always taught me what to look for in a man by how he treats my mom. Sometimes them kissing in front of me, acting like love-struck teenagers, dancing in the kitchen, and being overly affectionate drives me insane and makes me sick, but I can’t deny that it’s pretty cute. My dad adores my mom and never lets her go a day without hearing it. His immense love doesn’t just end with her; he smothers his children with just as much love too. If you could describe my dad with an object he would most adequately identify with one of those super typical “World’s Proudest Dad” coffee mugs, because damn if he isn’t.

Thanks to my dad the bar has been set ridiculously high when it comes to finding a partner. Luckily, one super special guy came along and blew every single expectation out of the water with his love for me. My boyfriend has a heart of gold and knows exactly what it means to be humble, giving, and full of gratitude and positivity and is the most motivating and uplifting soul I have yet to meet. His love is so unconditional, he epitomizes the Drake lyric “Sweatpants, hair tied, chilling with no makeup on, that’s when you're the prettiest, I hope that you don't take it wrong.” He dotes over me the way every girl dreams of, but he never stops motivating be to become more, to go out and reach my full potential. Tyler, you’re my best friend. Thank you for always being the big spoon, binge watching cooking shows with me (even though I know you hate them), taking me on cheesy dates, being my rock when my Grandma passed away, tolerating me when it’s my time of the month, and just taking on life with me every step of the way. I love you.

Thanks to these two fellas I haven’t completely lost hope in the male population, and neither should any girl. Always remember, nice guys don’t finish last, just don’t disqualify them from your race.