On the morning of November 19, Mr. Tran Minh Quang (33 years old, technical staff in Hanoi) still started the day as usual.
Joining the crowd of people crowded together in the early winter drizzle, while waiting for a red light, he took the opportunity to surf social networks. He was startled to see that today is International Men's Day.
He laughed but seemed sad: I went online and saw someone congratulating me on this day. At home, his wife is busy taking her children to school, and his colleagues are busy running deadlines. No one remember this day as existing.
He said that men work hard not because they want to show off strongly, but because they are forced to do so.
"Many days when it rains, my shoes are wet and cold, but I still try to bring my work back to work. Only after my wife and children slept did I dare to sighed. I just hope to give enough money every month so my wife can worry about everything with peace of mind," he said.
However, just need to be 2-3 days late in transferring money, he hears words that make his heart wring back: "What do you spend all of?" and "If you don't give me money, how can you take care of me?".
I dont blame my wife. But sometimes I just wish to be asked the question "Are you okay today?". Men are human, and there are times when they are weak, Quang confided.
Nguyen Van Tung (40 years old, a freelance driver in Lang Son) laughed as if clinging when mentioning November 19: "I read the newspaper and remember today as International Day of Men. But my wife probably doesn't know, but if she does, she will forget."
His family, both parents and children, eagerly waited until March 8 or October 20. As for him, the days for men passed like a cold wind at the beginning of the season.
There were windy months, low income, and he drove until midnight and still didn't have enough money to bring home.
That night my wife said I was irresponsible. I was very sad. I left early and came home late, I was tired and didn't dare complain. No matter how miserable the men are, they have to learn to learn to learn to eat their teeth. There were times when I felt like an ATM withdrawing money, withdrawing for a long time, and when I had no money, I was scolded, Mr. Tung confided.
Men are still the pillar, the ones who carry, and are not allowed to be weak. But behind those strong roles is the loneliness they rarely say.
Contrary to the disappointment of many men, Ms. Nguyen Thu Ha (28 years old, living in Dong Dang town, Lang Son) spent the whole morning preparing something surprising for her husband.
She said that at first she did not know that today was International Men's Day. But when she accidentally read an article online, she shocked herself and realized that it had been a long time since she had forgotten her husband's hardships.
I always think he is okay. But looking back, he left early and came home late, trying to have enough money for his family every month. One day he was tired, I blamed him for not having given him money for living expenses. Now I feel so sorry for myself, she confided.
On the morning of November 19, she quietly prepared a small gift, a leather wallet he once liked, and cooked a cozy meal waiting for her husband to return.
Its not for showing off. I just want you to know that it is not only you who strive for this family. I always see his hardship, said Ms. Ha.
Every husband has an invisible burden on his shoulders: financial pressure, responsibility as a support, and fear of failure. Many times they are silent not because they are indifferent, but because they don't want their family to worry," said Mr. Tung, then started the car and drove away in the rain in the border after a customer's call.
A small wish, a warm meal, or just a gentle question Are you okay today? are sometimes enough for men to feel seen and understood.
