[Ingrid]

Dear Wanda,

I can´t help myself but wonder how much of Elvis being "macho" was just to live up to the image, and how much of it was "real"? I mean, he was very much ahead of his time in so many ways, but he was also a guy who came of age in the 1950s.

We´ve heard so many stories of you from girls whom he treated wonderfully. We also know that he wanted "his" girl to be a certain way.
And we know that he put on a show for the guys to disguise his tender, vulnerable side... am I right?

I think in many ways he was a prisoner of his own fame and image.
For example, I get the impression that he actually was drawn to women who were different, not necessarily cute, but strong-willed and interesting... like June in the early years, like his favorite movie star Sophia Loren (I had to laugh out loud when I read the interview in your book ), like Ann-Margret... But my question does not only concern his love life, but his life in general.

Somehow I think he thought he always had to come across as the "tough guy", when actually he was a very sweet, tender-hearted, understanding human being. I understand that this is what was expected of a man not only then, but even still today. Guys have to be like that....

I would like to know how much of his "macho" "behaviour was real, (growing up in the South in the 40s and 50s...), and how much of it was a show he put on... and how it affected him, possibly, because he felt like he had to disguise his true self all the time....

I hope I could make myself clear, Wanda, and I would very much appreciate your opinion on that. My problem is, that I always subconsciously try to put everything in today´s context, which you just can´t. I all happened a long time ago....

Thank you very much, Wanda!

Best wishes from Germany,

Ingrid

[Wanda June Hill]

I think, Ingrid you covered it accurately. He thought he had to be all things to all people, including women. He liked intelligence in women, the guys imply he wanted "dummies" and weak women he could boss around. I think he just wanted women to be ladies and to want to "mind" him but he could be very tender and sweet to them too. He liked to be the boss, but he was reasonable. He said he didn't think he could be happy with a woman who tried to tell him what to do etc:...but that he could be brought around to just about anything if they gently coaxed him etc:...and he said that when he was quite young. He didn't change. He was macho around the guys because he was "supposed to be that image etc:" and that's what they wanted from him...and too, Elvis liked playing that role...with the guy. Some of them saw his softer side, some didn't. But you were close. He was tough because he was the "boss" and the bread winner and had to be "perfect" for everyone. He couldn't show weakness because it would make people worry etc:...so he hid things like feeling bad etc: and let them think the worst rather than tell them the truth and worry people. Well, that's it for now. things to do to day. wjh
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Wanda June Hill
author of "We Remember, Elvis" & "Elvis - Face to Face"

[Ingrid]

Thank you, Wanda! It´s good to get your confirmation on my assumtions, means that I´m beginning to understand !

So.... he was ONE BIG SOFTIE, and that´s a compliment!

Thanks again, bye bye,

Ingrid

[Rainbow Light]

Thanks for your question, Ingrid! Also to Wanda's for her wonderfully expressed reply and insight as always!
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Seeks to encourage and inspire!