TGIF- THE RETURN OF THE KNIGHT IN SHINING ARMOR

When we were little, us girls were taught to hope for a Knight in Shining Armor.




Twenty-plus years later, we were told our dreams were unrealistic. We should want a man in dirty, beat-up armor because then we know he's actually been through a battle. 




Enough flip-flopping. 



I'm here to bring back the Knight in Shining Armor.





Let's consider what makes a man a knight. First, he is well-trained in combat and warfare. Knights are bred from boyhood. Before they're ten years old they are Pages--running around learning how to take commands and follow through on orders--and when they turn fourteen they must undertake an apprenticeship(Squire)--learning from the best and the bravest knights. Then, he must see some battles (tested) in order to earn his knighthood. So, for those who think a shining armor means no wear-'n-tear, no real test of fortitude, I beg to differ. 




Yet, the most important step may not be the actual battle (or seeing his dinged up armor). 




After the knight has gone through his battle(s) (trials) he returns to the castle and hammers out his armor (acknowledges where in his life he needs to work), making sure the integrity of the suit is strong enough to endure another fight, then he shines (applies the new knowledge to his life) it. So really, when the battle is over, he diligently prepares himself for the next, and arguably tougher conquest, and is once again, a Knight in Shining Armor. 




But does his work stop there? No. Unless he's wooing fair maidens like myself, the knight is back in the amory testing weapons and working on his fighting skills. He's in constant training; ready at a moment's notice to be put to the test.




And when he presents himself before the king Queen he doesn't look rough and unkept; he is laying at my feet the best of himself--proof he has worked (and continues to work) on his character. Even the word 'knight' means 'a man devoted to the service of a lady'(thank you, Merriam-Webster). He's ready to be devoted (to me) because he's been training his whole life for this moment.




People get so hung up on the shining armor, as if that symbolizes perfection. Sure he isn't perfect. He'll be out in battle again and probably soon. He's a knight; it's what they do. I can imagine the training a knight must go through and the battles he must face before he is presented to me. I know in order to acheive knighthood, he has already been identified as a man of honor and integrity who will not cower in the face of danger and has proven his bravery. That's the man I want.




A Knight.




In Shining Armor.




Preferably with this face:














Yes, I love Henry Cavil the Duke of Suffolk. (TRUST me, he had his issues!)




Happy Friday Everyone! Live your dream and go get your Knight in Shining Armor!!!!














Reference. :-)