Men, You Are the Prize Too — Act Like It

For far too long, the idea of “the prize” in relationships has been synonymous with women. The concept has been ingrained in us through media, culture, and even traditional norms, that men are the ones who pursue and women are the ones who are won over.

But it’s time for a shift in this narrative — men, you are the prize too. It’s high time you start acting like it.

The traditional narrative

We’ve all heard it, right? The age-old phrase, “You need to treat her like a queen.” It’s a sentiment that has been passed down through generations, and while it’s important to value and respect women, we must also recognize the importance of self-worth in men. There’s an unspoken assumption that men should be constantly in pursuit — whether it’s in love, in career, or in life. But what does that leave them with? A sense of self-doubt, insecurity, and sometimes even an inability to recognize their value in the equation.

The idea that men are not entitled to feel special, respected, and worthy in their own right perpetuates a dangerous cycle. It creates an environment where men begin to undervalue themselves, constantly seeking external validation rather than building an internal sense of self-worth.

Shifting the mindset

If you’re a man, ask yourself: How do you view yourself in relationships? Are you just the one who gives, provides, and sacrifices, or do you also expect to be loved, valued, and appreciated?

Being the “prize” doesn’t mean having an inflated sense of self or demanding to be adored without effort. It means recognizing your worth, setting standards, and holding yourself accountable to those standards. It means understanding that love, respect, and attention aren’t one-sided. You don’t have to chase after someone to prove your value — your worth should be recognized and appreciated just as much as anyone else’s.

Stop settling

Too often, men settle for relationships that don’t bring out their best selves because they’ve been conditioned to believe that they’re lucky to have a partner at all. This stems from years of internalized societal norms where men are expected to “earn” love and affection. But why should anyone settle for less than they deserve?

Men, if you want to be treated like the prize, you must also act like one. That means setting boundaries, knowing your worth, and refusing to accept less than what you deserve in your relationships. Don’t allow yourself to be stuck in situations where you’re undervalued or mistreated. Recognize when it’s time to move on and prioritize your well-being.

Own your confidence

The prize is not about arrogance, but confidence. A man who knows his worth doesn’t need to boast about it — his actions speak louder than words. Whether it’s in his career, his friendships, or his relationships, owning your confidence means standing tall in your decisions, not compromising on your values, and continuously striving to become the best version of yourself.

When you start acting like the prize, you automatically set a standard for how you expect to be treated. You create a life that attracts people who respect you, value you, and see the greatness in you. It’s not about being perfect, but about knowing that you are worthy of love, respect, and happiness.

Don’t let society define you

One of the biggest traps men fall into is trying to live up to society’s often unrealistic expectations. Whether it’s pressure to be the provider, the strong silent type, or the man who never shows vulnerability, these expectations can leave little room for a man to truly be himself. But here’s the thing — acting like the prize means rejecting these outdated stereotypes and embracing your true self, flaws and all.

Men, being the prize is not about fitting into a mold of who society thinks you should be. It’s about acknowledging your individuality, your needs, and your desires, and having the courage to go after them. It’s about breaking free from toxic masculinity and embracing a healthier, more holistic view of what it means to be a man.

The power of mutual respect

When both partners in a relationship treat each other like the prize, it sets the foundation for a healthy, balanced, and loving connection. Men, you should expect to be treated with the same respect, care, and love that you give. Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding. So, while it’s important to treat your partner like royalty, you deserve the same in return.