Confidence. "With faith." When men write or speak in a tender voice (or any quality of voice at all), they use their voice with confidence. Even when they don't know what they are talking about, confidence often carries that day.

I don't know where to come up with that kind of confidence for myself. If I knew, I would share the source. If I ever find out, I will share the source. Having been raised with self-doubt and politeness and even obsequiousness--as have been so many of us--I have to make do with what I've got. And I will make do, of course.

Meanwhile, today I honor my tenderness and I hope you honor yours.