Trying to Prove Something in an Inappropriate Context

This is something I wrote to
someone regarding a situation
he was in. I share it in case
someone else might find the
perspective helpful.

It's like saying 2+2=metal.
Metal has nothing to do with
2, and you'll never prove it,
no matter how determined you
are, or how many times you try,
or how long you stick with it.

There are times you may feel
that you need to prove that
you are a good man by staying
in an unhealthy marriage.

Your equation is something
like me+staying with my wife
=me being a good man.

It doesn't work that way.

You are a good man, and
you don't need proof, and
you don't need to feel
like you need to stay
unhappily in a situation
to prove it since it is
impossible to prove that
you are a good man.

It is something that
you just are.

It is something that can
coordinate with your actions,
but is actually separate
from them.

You can still be a good man,
and refrain from doing what
others (or even you) believe
a good man "should."

And - if by some chance
you actually want to try
any way - a good man will
always take care of himself
first - and is always honest
with himself - or else what
does he truly have to give
another?