1.) Who taught you about manhood?
My dad was a fantastic mentor. Hes always taken the time to show me what it means to be a man, and he doesnt get mad when I slip up. He just shows me a better way to be.
2.) Has romantic love shaped you as a man?
Of course. Ive learned so much from my relationships with the women Ive loved. I would be incomplete without those experiences.
3.) What two words describe your dad?
Unflinchingly Strong
4.) How are you most unlike him?
Hes always lived a quiet life, and attention makes him uncomfortable. I spend a lot more time chasing the spotlight.
5.) From which of your mistakes did you learn the most?
Dropping out of college. It made me understand that I had to take responsibility for myself and my actions. There was a time when I believed that the world owed me something, and dropping out of college opened my eyes.
6.) What word would the women in your life use to describe you, and is it accurate?
Loyal. Id like to think its accurate. Id never do anything to break another persons trust in me.
7.) Who is the best dad you know, and how does he earn that distinction?
My parents went through a rough divorce when I was 6, and my mom and I moved across the country. A lot of fathers would have used that as an excuse to go out and start a new life.
My dad made sure that he remained a big part of my life. He has always been there for me, and hes always worked to make sure that we have a very close relationship. The sort of unconditional love hes always shown earns him the distinction of worlds best dad, by far.
8.) Have you been more successful in public or private life?
Definitely in my public life. Several moves and long trips outside the country in the past decade have made long-term relationships a challenge.
9.) When was the last time you cried?
I know this sounds sappy but during the first ten minutes of Up. Watching the two characters grow old together really struck me because I want that sort of relationship some day.
10.) What advice would you give teenage boys trying to figure out what it means to be a good man?
Find a mentor who always does the right thing, especially when its not the easy thing, and emulate them.
For Bonus Points: What is the your most cherished ritual as a guy?
Travel. Theres nothing better than long trips to far away and strange places.
*****
Ben Corman has career ADHD and has bounced from network engineer to author to professional traveler to, most recently, creative director of Rudius Media. He is currently working to break into the comedy circuit in Philadelphia and makes no promises as to what hell be pursuing next year.
