Wednesday, April 09, 2008

hardworking = sexy


Once, there is this tagging thingey which usually circulated from blog to blog, presented me with this question, " Name 7 qualities that you like in a man". I remember taking some time to think of the most honest answer, i closed my eyes and imagined what is it in a man that appeals to my eyes. An image appeared, a vision of a man who is seriously concentrating on whatever task he is doing in front of him, his eyebrows furrowed deep like he's thinking hard. So focused into his work. So deeply engrossed. Quietly working on the task before him. Determined to complete any job assigned in the most-accomplished way possible.

And then i realised that ever since school, i find myself drawn to admire the boy who sits at his desk, quietly finishing his work. Barely ever heard his voice. Shadowed by other popular boys who walk macho-ly in groups. But this boy, the quiet, hardworking boy was the one i find myself staring at.

What had triggered me into pondering, thinking and now writing about this? The sudden realisation that hardworking man are attractive. To me, i mean. Not in a lustful way, if that's what you ppl are thinking. But in an admiring-respecting sort of way. The cause of it, my encounter with two men. One, is the techinican who tinted the window-pane in my clinic. And the other one is the man who snap my passport photos in the 50-yrs old photo studio. Both share the same quality, they strived for perfection. Walk fast, as if every second matter. Their face wore the same expression, a quiet determination. Talk less, work more. They remind me of one of my Chinese friend in uni. I remember him, in spite of his not-very-good command of Malay and English languages ( he came from Chinese-educated background), he's a joy to talk with. Helped me with my notes, willing to spend time helping me working on my dentures. Once, he tells me his future plan, all mapped out in terms of years. His 5-yrs plan. His 10-yrs plan. Hardworking, with visions. I know he will be a successful man one day.

What makes hardworking man seems utterly man-ly. The willingness to stretch their ability to the limit. The wanting to challenge their potential to the maximum. The perspiration forming on their forehead, neck and shoulders, wettening their shirt. The seriousness they display, not wanting to settle to anything less than their very best. They take pride in the work they do, they value the end-products of the effort they put in. 'Bekerja dengan tulang empat kerat' says the old Malay adage. Knowing that hard work and perseverance maketh a man.

Recalling myself observing the technician at work, meticulously putting the black-tint paper in correct position. And later he stood admiring his work,a silent proud on his face. His job might seem nothing to some people's eyes, but he sure is proud of it. And tried his best to make the best job he could.

It's not the six-pack abs that matters. Not the mushy, love words that are said but not meant. And certainly not the tall, dark and handsome man but walks with head high in arrogance. At the end of the day, a woman seeks someone she feels most protected and safe with. Someone who she knows is willing to work hard for a decent living. Someone whom she will later depend on, trusting her future in his hand.


See, it’s not that hard to impress a woman ehh? ;]