Being in a loving relationship means showing up for your partner, even if that means stepping into a place like Sephora. Supporting each other’s interests and hobbies is a crucial part of any partnership, even when those interests don’t align (yes, we see you, Fantasy Football enthusiasts). Some men, however, worry that indulging their girlfriend or wife might make them seem less masculine in the eyes of their peers. Fortunately, a boyfriend’s viral tweet is challenging that notion.
Twitter user Jake Thompson shared a snapshot of himself with his girlfriend at Sephora, accompanied by his reflections on the outing. He emphasizes the need for men to put aside their egos and prioritize the happiness of their loved ones. To date, his post has garnered over 91,000 retweets and more than 177,000 likes.
Sephora can be one of those places that many boyfriends and husbands avoid to sidestep judgment from other men. Yet not only did Jake accompany his girlfriend to explore some products, but he also volunteered as her swatching model. “Today, my girlfriend and I went into Sephora. I let out a classic sigh, followed by a monotone, ‘Whatever you want, babe,’” he wrote. “After a few minutes of browsing, she wanted to compare makeup shades. With her beautifully tanned skin and my pale complexion, I allowed her to compare shades on my hand. Just helping out my best friend, no big deal.”
Letting your girlfriend apply makeup to your hand while referring to her as your best friend truly exemplifies relationship goals. However, it’s Jake’s reflection on the experience after another man mocked him which makes his tweet particularly resonant.
“As we were leaving, another guy with his girlfriend said, ‘That’s why I stand in the corner, bro, hahaha.’” Jake pondered, “Why is it so challenging for men to break free from the ‘bro’ stigma? Consider all the things we do—snoring obnoxiously, farting, or forcing her to sit through another Madden game—simply because we love them.” Finally, someone who recognizes that true love involves being present for your partner, even when it means stepping out of your comfort zone. And as for the guy who laughed? He’s probably single.
Jake effectively communicates what many men often overlook. When you genuinely love someone, their happiness and opinions should be paramount. His tweet serves as a heartfelt open love letter to his girlfriend while offering sage advice to other men concerned about their “bros” judging them for prioritizing their partner’s joy.
“Forget what anyone thinks—she’s your woman! She’d do anything for you, so let her compare makeup on your hand, carry her purse, or buy her tampons. Do things for her, no matter how silly or ‘un-bro’ it may seem. She’s your best friend, your teammate—who cares about the opinions of others?”
This article was originally published on March 10, 2017.