Showing posts with label men. Show all posts
Showing posts with label men. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Men who are not highly educated but are exceptionally street-smart tend to have these 8 unique traits on The Kyle Phoenix Blog




Men who are not highly educated but are exceptionally street-smart tend to have these 8 unique traits

By Kai Livingston|



In a world that’s hell-bent on worshiping degrees and flaunting education like it’s the only ticket to success, we often overlook those who don’t have a fancy diploma hanging on their wall, but are loaded with something equally, if not more, valuable – street smarts.


These dudes may not be able to quote Shakespeare, or solve complex mathematical equations at the drop of a hat, but boy, do they know how to navigate the gritty realities of life.

In this article, we’re shifting gears from the conventional route and focusing on men who may not have an Ivy League education, but are veterans of real-life experiences. We’re exploring those individuals whose knowledge is derived not from textbooks, but from the school of life.

Let’s dive in.
1. Exceptional observation skills

Have you ever wondered how some people can read a room or situation like an open book?

Men who are street-smart often have this remarkable ability to observe and analyze their surroundings in a way that others might miss. They notice the smallest details, understand subtle cues, and use this information to their advantage.

This isn’t a skill they’ve learned from textbooks, but one they’ve honed through years of navigating life’s complexities.

Whether it’s predicting a potential problem before it arises or understanding someone’s intentions from their body language, their exceptional observation skills often set them apart.
2. Outstanding adaptability

Charles Darwin reportedly once said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of street-smart men. Their ability to adapt to different situations, environments, and people is nothing short of extraordinary.


They may not have learned about Darwin’s theory of evolution in school, but they certainly live by it. They understand that life is unpredictable and being rigid can often lead to failure. Instead, they are flexible, quickly adjusting their strategies and approaches depending on what life throws at them.

For them, change is not a threat but an opportunity to learn, grow, and even thrive. Their adaptability allows them to seize opportunities that others might miss, navigate challenges more effectively, and ultimately succeed in various facets of life – from personal relationships to professional endeavors.
3. Empathy

Yes, empathy.

So let’s say you’re going through a tough time. You’re feeling down, distressed, and it seems like no one truly understands what you’re going through. Now, imagine a friend or colleague who can not only listen to your troubles but genuinely empathize with your situation. That’s often a street-smart man for you.

Street-smart individuals are usually deeply empathetic. Their own diverse experiences and hardships have given them an enhanced understanding of life’s ups and downs. This enables them to connect with others on a deeper level, understand their feelings and perspectives, and provide genuine support when needed.

Their profound empathy also enables them to build strong relationships, resolve conflicts more effectively, and influence others positively. In many ways, their ability to empathize is the foundation of their street-smart abilities – it’s what allows them to understand people and situations so deeply, and navigate life so successfully.
4. Incredible resilience

Did you know that research has shown that resilience – the ability to bounce back from adversity – is not just associated with a lower risk of depression, but it also contributes to overall life satisfaction?


Street-smart men embody this trait.

Life hasn’t always been a bed of roses for them. They’ve faced obstacles, endured failures, and weathered storms that would make most people crumble. But what sets them apart is their ability to pick themselves up, dust off the disappointment, and keep moving forward with an undeterred spirit.


Their resilience is their armor against life’s challenges. They don’t allow failures to define them; instead, they use these experiences as stepping stones towards success. This incredible resilience not only helps them overcome life’s hurdles but also instills in them a positive outlook and relentless determination that inspires others around them.
5. Exceptional problem-solving skills

I’d like to share a story about my uncle, a man of few academic credentials but a wealth of street-smart wisdom.

Once, during a family camping trip, we found ourselves in a fix when our vehicle broke down in the middle of nowhere. With no cell service to call for help and the nearest town miles away, panic started to set in.

But my uncle remained calm. He assessed the situation, rummaged through the tools we had on hand, and started working on the vehicle. Within an hour, he had managed to get it up and running again. That’s when I realized that his problem-solving skills were not learned in a classroom but honed by real-life experiences.


Street-smart men like my uncle often showcase exceptional problem-solving skills. They can analyze complicated situations, identify the root cause of problems, and come up with practical solutions. Whether it’s a broken engine or a business issue, they have a knack for finding solutions where others see only problems.
6. Strong people skills

Life is all about relationships, and these men understand this better than anyone else. They have an innate ability to get along with a diverse range of people, from different backgrounds and perspectives.

They listen to understand, not just to respond. They value the opinions of others, even when they disagree with them. This approach allows them to build strong connections and gain the respect and trust of those around them.
7. Realistic optimism

This is an interesting one.

One thing I have noticed is that these men are often characterized by an interesting blend of realism and optimism. They are not blinded by unrealistic dreams or fantasies, but they also don’t allow negativity or cynicism to cloud their vision.

They understand the harsh realities of life, but they also believe in the possibilities of a better future. They’re able to assess situations realistically, acknowledging the challenges and potential pitfalls. However, they also maintain a positive outlook, focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

This realistic optimism enables them to persist in the face of adversity, take calculated risks, and seize opportunities that others might overlook. It’s a powerful mindset that fuels their resilience, motivates them to strive for their goals, and ultimately propels them towards success.

8. Unwavering self-confidence

Last but not least, one cannot discuss the traits of street-smart men without mentioning their unwavering self-confidence.

It’s not the arrogant, “I’m better than everyone else” kind of confidence. Rather, it’s a deep-rooted belief in their own abilities and worth.

Street-smart men know their strengths and aren’t afraid to leverage them. They also acknowledge their weaknesses and view them as areas for improvement rather than reasons for self-doubt. Their confidence comes from years of overcoming challenges, learning from failures, and navigating the complex realities of life.

Their self-confidence is contagious, inspiring others to believe in themselves, too.
The bottom line

Street-smart men, armed with their unique set of traits, navigate life’s complexities with a practical wisdom that often surpasses traditional education.

They exemplify resilience, empathy, adaptability, and numerous other attributes that make them stand out. While degrees and formal education have their place, it’s essential to recognize and appreciate the value of street smarts in our everyday lives.

We’d love to hear from you now. Do you identify with these traits or know someone who does? How has being street-smart helped you or them in life?

#KylePhoenix


Enjoy!*

***Good Men for Men:: Finding, Keeping And Being Loved By A Good One***

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Author, TV host and teacher, Kyle Phoenix has brought together all of the information, tips, strategies, action plans and identifiers that thousands of men around the world have taken advantage of to find a Good Man.

Including:

How to identify Good Men;

How to date them---where to go, what to do, what not to do;

What Good Men are looking for

What Good Men avoid and why

Who a Good Man is willing to be in your life and not.

Real life couples who've struggled with how to maintain a relationship with the challenges of life dreams, work, school, family, finances and sex then give you a peek into their unique solutions. You'll learn how to negotiate what works for you and what doesn't and more importantly how not to break up when the going gets rough in the first few weeks or few years.

But what if you meet (or are) a Good Man on the cusp, how to enhance and improve to become a sensational, accountable and responsible Good Man. There's a detailed guide in here on not only things to work on in life but also the resources to make them happen. From work to starting a business to managing finances to understanding home buying to school navigation, proper sex safe sex techniques, including lubes and condoms, and much more.

Then as an added bonus the book also contains links to dozens of agencies around the world that will help you improve every area of your life. Also you'll have access to all of the Kyle Phoenix television shows, online video classes, blogs and Special Reports.

This one has it all!

Why do you need this book?

Because you're worth it. Your sexuality is good and natural and should be shared and loved. All you need are the skills, the tips and strategies and you're sure to discover the Good Man within yourself.

And you know what other Good Men are looking for?

You guessed it!

Good Men!*

#KylePhoenix

#TheKylePhoenixShow

Monday, May 8, 2023

Why do certain gay men bareback? by Kyle Phoenix

 The Five Reasons Why Men Report Barebacking

Unsafe Sex-Barebacking

There are very few expectations as an MSM. And if you’re a man of color there are even less expectations for you. You’re doing something that will resonate not only throughout your own life but the lives of those around you.

Expectations and Being Needed by Society

To that end, the world needs you around for as long as possible. If you’ve been infected with an STD then you have to maintain your health, take your medication, invest time in stress reducing exercise, immune system building foods and mental clarification with a therapist if need be, but make no mistake, your community, whether that’s the Black community, the Latino community, the human community needs you in it. We need your wisdom, your grace, your humor, your life testimony so doesn’t check out or reduce yourself to not caring. It’s wholly appropriate to tell a Good Man a few dates into a relationship about your infection, before you become sexual. Some will decide not to engage; some will engage further. That is their fundamental human right. Again we live on Earth, not Fair but exampling yourself as a Good Man means that you stand in integrity and give someone that option in the faithful knowing that all of the things about you are greater than a disease/infection and that the Good Man for you will accept that as one of the elements of your life, as he decides to merge your lives together.

STD Infected and Barebacking

If you’re not infected with anything, that’s a great thing. In fact, it’s not often said enough how good of a thing that is. With all of the non-profit organizations and programs and medicines and initiatives---a man can feel like there are only two categories for him as an MSM---infected and about to be infected. Infection, STD’s, weakened immune systems, medications, is not your sexualities birthright, expectation nor outcome. You, being conscious, listening to your intuition about sex partners, asking questions, using protection have maintained your physical integrity and should feel no shame in that nor pressure to “act wild”. It’s important though for you not to become susceptible to one of the factors that bring about unsafe sex.

Reason 1: Anger/Self-Destructive/Fatalism

Universally accepted, however you choose to perceive sexualities outside of homosexuality, there is a greater chance for depression. I have a whole series of blogs and YouTube videos and TV shows about it it's so prevalent with MSM

Shame, different from guilt, turned inward becomes depression and self-destructive behavior. Shame turned outward can manifest itself as destructive actions towards others. Essentially I don't like myself, I don't agree with my lot in life, I'm assuming that my sexual identity and "normal" society will never jive together, I'm alone, I'm hurting, I feel alienated and ostracized so why practice safe sex?

Reason 2: Pleasure seeking/Risk Taking/Escapism

Sex, around for hundreds of thousands of years for humans, is fun. It can be adventurous, stimulating, relaxing, intense, intimate and the prospect of having to stop for: THE SCIENCE OF SAFE SEX---(“Excuse me one second as I was nibbling your inner thigh we are at the pre-penetrative stage, let me lean over, bend down, roll over there, open the drawer, my pocket, your pocket, that box get the condom packet out, open it, get the lube, put the condom on, a little dab of lube within more lube within you anally, lube then onto the condom------okay, where were we?”)

Not easy, pleasant or romantic. It's easier to be wild with this incredibly passionate hottie (known or unknown) who you've had a crush on for a while or a night or who you've been dating for a week or a year and just be close, be free, be spontaneous! Because passion, the passion of touching you, being touched by me, the smell of you next to me and your lips, oh, God, your lips!!!!!!!----there's no time! Take me! Take me!!!! Reason be damned!!!!

Reason 3: Intimacy Needs/Rational Choice Making

Human beings, especially those who believe they are (infatuation, intense attraction, lust) or are in love, want and assume this is the Forever Love. Or this is the true love. This is the good love. Let's ratchet it back from love and say I tell you I'm negative, you promise me you are and you're trustworthy, right and so am I. We're not like those others. We're both employed, rational, respectable, employed, educated, loving people. We can be close without a condom. In fact, our love, or just our humanness needs to feel closer, no barriers, no artificiality between us.

I love you. I really, really do. I would never intentionally hurt you. I loves you, Porgy. I want to feel you. Don't you want to feel me?

Reason 4: Erroneous Perception of Risk

Look at what great shape he's in. Look at what great shape I'm in. You can tell when someone is infected. Their skin seems ashen or glistens or has less collagen. The meds do that to them. But you, you look like the perfect specimen of health. There's no possible way you could be HIV+ at your age, you're too young. I can tell just from sight. I didn't think some of the things we were doing, just rubbing that against this, just a little bit of insertion, just oral was risky.

Reason 5: Erectile Related Dysfunction.

  • Condoms don't fit me right,
  • Condoms are too tight.
  • I'm allergic to condoms.
  • I can't stay hard/maintain an erection with a condom on.
  • I can't get hard in a condom.

I wrote a magazine cover story on AIDS, it was a big thing getting the cover to be in color, red, the AIDS ribbon as I was spinning off of an AIDS conference that was occurring in Buffalo. A year or so later a former girlfriend of a lover came up infected. Ok, she was a bit of an----------extremely sexually liberated, physically and sexually generous young woman with a lot of young men and older men that garnered her a with a very public and sexualized…...reputation. (Yeah, I could've worked that out with just one word like slut but let us not judge the past or people/women’s sexual activity.)

Around the same time my mother's close friend, Walter died of HIV related complications. They'd known each other close to a decade and it left a deep impression on her, even surrounding funerals and death. My mother was very vocal/engaging around safe sex, afraid that I would become infected, that I was infected, that infection was only a hairs breadth away. Suddenly from my teens through college years, HIV wasn't simply TV public service announcements,

Red Hot CD compilations, and free condoms in night clubs, it was really, really real. Then I started volunteering places in, seeing death upfront---a guy, a nice guy was here today, gone tomorrow and I thought about the future, my future. I thought about marriage and children. I thought about ok, I might meet a partner who was HIV+----would I maintain the relationship long-term or just find a way to fade to black within a date or two?

Logically, statistically, even if my sexual partners had reported as negative (or thought they were) I'd been sexual with someone who was HIV+ or they may've had the other multitude of STIs. Most importantly to me---children. How would I parent children if I was sexually negligent around risk? Biologically parent children first (yes, I know there are other options) but then what about child rearing? How long did I want and need my own parents in my life? How long would my children need me? If the outside range of HIV survival is 20+ years and I were to get infected in my 20s or 30s wasn’t I then also voluntarily perpetuating the usually social force of men of color dying early? Is unsafe sex a way of men of color being removed from the community, their community that needs them during their highest wage earning/educational/potentiality fulfillment years, regardless of their sexuality?

I know, a lot to think about, right?

Here I am, brown as the floor, safe sexing it, in LTRs because of the future. Because to some degree my family, my children, not wanting to impact my parents negatively, not wanting to be absent in my community, not be able to give of my skills over a long period of time.

When THE SCIENCE OF SAFE SEX moments happen for me---what flashes through my mind what makes me crack jokes and try to make what is the oddest commercial break on my personal passionate moments---are the above reasons.

Take safe sex in stride, it’s the norm for humans to have to deal with. Like the weather. But don’t allow the crushing weight of the 5 Reasons convince you that it’s not a normal part of the game or that you should drop out. I challenge you to be a Good Man and stay in the Game, stay in the fight, stay in the struggle of being conscious because, we, the world, need you.

Shame is “I am bad.”

Guilt is “I did something bad/wrong.”

#KylePhoenix

Saturday, November 23, 2019

As a gay guy, what turns you on in a man? by #KylePhoenix

Monday, May 27, 2019

What is it like to have sex as a male? Answered by Kyle Phoenix



It depends.
Men are trained by the society around them how to self perceive and then hopefully we mature enough to separate the external chatter from our internal selves.
I can tell you that when you’re dealing with men or women who are consumed by the external societal chatter of what sex should be it’s very pressure driven, it’s very genitalia driven, it’s very blunt and narrow. It’s transactional and often built or frenzied to not so much of impress but overwhelm or beat your partner to the finish line.
Great sex with a man is about relaxation and time. Making space in your day or your life for this physical connective pleasure. It doesn’t have to be love based but it should be something that you fill hours with. If you can fill hours with the latest movie from Marvel then you should fill as much comparable time with sex.
Gay men come at you like you’ve got their cancer meds held hostage and the key is in ejaculation. It can feel like a pressured, half sexual assault race. A lot of this comes from a sexual education based upon porn. There are very limited other arenas for men to learn about sex with men. So monkey see, monkey do. They hurl themselves at you with an ADD that can be injurious. I remember one young man whom I hope was on drugs because he moved around so much I was afraid he was going to break my penis. That shouldn’t be his natural state.
Women tend to be less frenetic but more self-conscious because they’re trying to be present and accommodating to a man who may or may not have any sexual sense. So that creates a form of tension.
Trans folk are playing their trans movie in their head. What they don’t realize is they’re the only one in that theater who can fully see the film so what they want, believe and want you to react to and as can be a mish-mash on incongruities. Who they internally have to be deeply communicated to the point of ad nauseum because it turns into either a mutual fantasy, a one-sided illusion or a group delusion. If you have a relationship with a trans person it works better because you’ve signed up for the extended cut of the head trip. But if it’s a short term, few hours or a few days/weeks, affair it can be ripe with dissatisfaction because of the psychological intimacy needed. You think the trans person has a nicely shaped penis, they see it as an aberration attached by Satan to torture and humiliate them with since birth and the source of all discomfort and pain in their universe.
When a man advances to a conscious comfortability with sex he’s not looking to get off. He’s not looking to exclusively get. He’s looking to give and share. Get is no longer part of his sexual lexicon. Great male lovers seem very laid back because it’s no longer a sense of opportunistic, desperate, time imperiled anxiety based engagement. It’s cool. Like the other side of the pillow.
  • It’s like hey, I’m here, you’re here, let’s find out how many channels we each have access to on our sexual tuners.
  • It’s not about vanity or virility or the penis, it’s about my whole body is a sex organ when engaged.
  • It’s not about cumming, it’s about I’m already there.
  • It’s about multiple orgasms, I’ve had a dozen, with no ejaculation because ejaculation isn’t the goal, that’s a societal sexual goal.
  • I’ve had lots of great sex where there was no ejaculation. I’ve had lots of bad sex where I felt like someone was going to call the Sex Police on me for not being interested in ejaculating through a hoop at exactly 12:07 or there would be an ego death of my partner.
Bad lovers, men, talk about sex in a slightly intense, overwhelmed way because they aren’t being present to themselves, their body, hence why it’s got to get wackier and more perverse and freakier. It’s like you need greater levels of drugs because you do drugs, a circle that feeds off of itself. I can tell bad lovers, they’re penis-focused and unafraid to unabashedly tell you about that limitation….then they tell you about cumming…and think they’ve accomplished something.
#KylePhoenix
#TheKylePhoenixShow

www.kylephoenix.com

Smile, Kyle
KylePhoenixShow@Gmail.com
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Smile, Kyle
KylePhoenixShow@Gmail.com
#KylePhoenix



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 Don't forget to watch The Kyle Phoenix Show LIVESTREAM on Channel 56 (Time Warner), 83 (RCN), 34 (Verizon) Thursdays 1130pm

Kyle Phoenix is a teacher, certified adult educator, sexologist, sex coach and sexuality educator with over two decades of intensive experience. He studied at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, New York University, and Columbia University. He has worked, consulted and taught individuals and focused professional developments for the CDC, Department of Education, Gay Men's Health Crisis, New York City Department of Health, non-profits, Fortune 500 companies and unions. He began his career facilitating on-campus workshops addressing a wide range of sexuality and sexual health issues and then moved on to teaching at universities, non-profits, private groups and clients, hosting The Kyle Phoenix Show on television and multiple online webinars, including YouTube and Sclipo and writing extensively through his blog, Special Reports, articles and other print and E books in the Kyle Phoenix Series on relationships, finance, education, spirituality and culture. He lives in New York with his family.

www.kylephoenix.com

Smile, Kyle
KylePhoenixShow@Gmail.com
#KylePhoenix
#TheKylePhoenixShow



You can Like or; Follow Us on Facebook or;Twitter

Or Click Below to:
·                     Kyle Phoenix Website
·                     The Kyle Phoenix Blog
·                     Check out Kyle Phoenix Products on Amazon .com