Wingman for Women

Editor's Note: This is a continuation of our core conversation, “Extraordinary Women Change the World.” In our last post, Lisa Wood discussed discovering her voice and becoming an empowered parent. Today, "Romantic Wingman," Kory McDow shares with us his story and support of extraordinary women in his life.

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Behind every boxer is a good cornerman. Behind every great sports team is a good coach/manager. And as the old adage goes, "Behind every strong man is a stronger woman." While that is often true, it is also true that if you are fortunate enough to be in a relationship with an extraordinary woman, it is important that you are a strong person behind her, supporting her, as she also supports you.

Extraordinary women change the world.

I am not an extraordinary woman.  I'll venture to guess that some of you aren't either.  Each of us either an extraordinary woman ourself or has a connection to several extraordinary women in our circles.

I am blessed to have a circle of extraordinary women who I have been surrounded by, inspired by, and supported by. My daughter is growing up and will soon be an extraordinary woman in her own right. I was raised by an extraordinary woman who balanced work and family, sacrificing much to nurture us into our own best selves. I am related to multiple extraordinary women who are busy professionals, domestic CEOs, changemakers, and more.

Most importantly, I am married to an extraordinary woman.

Watching all of these amazing women in the world around me, it can be easy to get caught up in all that they are accomplishing, all they are doing, and and all they are being. Sometimes I am frozen in place when I see all that an empowered woman can do and be and share. And, I need to acknowledge that sometimes, I take it for granted.

I have to remind myself that instead of standing on the sidelines and observing, or taking for granted the awesomeness that I witness every day, I can be an active supporter. Encourage an extraordinary woman. Celebrate an extraordinary woman.

Your methods may vary, but for me, celebrating the main extraordinary woman in my life means letting her know that her power isn't going unnoticed. This manifests itself in many ways. It means flowers, candlelight dinners, love notes tucked in a work bag, or time alone to relax. It also means washing the dishes, staying home to care for our daughter when she's sick, or not leaving dirty clothes strewn about the bedroom.

Whatever is best for the extraordinary women around you, it's important that we take the time to listen, acknowledge, and encourage. Continue supporting them.  Because these empowered, extraordinary women truly are changing our world.

About Kory: Kory McDow is a husband, a father, a romantic, and the founder of Wingman Romantic. When he's not taking to the skies helping others be more romantic in their relationships, he can be found planning his own next date, chasing after his daughter, or watching sports. Connect with him on Twitter: @korymcdow