The Mans Life

Ah, the thrill of the open road. Many guys dream about having their own motorcycle, and it is a dream that is highly attainable. Most bikes are cheaper than cars, but there is a lot to know about driving them before you get out. Remember that you need special endorsements on your driver’s license to be able to drive a motorcycle. You must also be weary of traffic, because they will hurt you more than you can hurt them. You must also be aware of your state’s individual laws on helmet use, though it is smart to use them no matter what. Also, avoid wearing t-shirts or nothing on a bike… They have leather jackets for a reason, to keep skin when you fall off!

I’m talking about the original trilogy, IV-VI. These movies are classics to guys everywhere. There shouldn’t be one guy in a group of a thousand that hasn’t seen all three of these classic movies. However, there is a thin line between being a Star Wars fan and being a Star Wars junkie. Most of us are content to talk about and quote the movie from time to time. I’m sure we all know someone whose thoughts are completely consumed by the movie – and marketers know this by making an endless line of merchandise for the insatiable connoisseur. I have a friend who lives and dies by this series, and that is unfortunate because it robs him of all normal social function. It should be classified as a disease, being addicted and consumed by these movies!

Life insurance is something many guys will get to protect their loved ones in case of accidental death. However, why fund an insurance company for years for something you can do yourself? The chances that you will up and die are very slim, so consider alternative plans to life insurance. It is true funerals are expensive, so make arrangements beforehand. You can make your wishes known and pay on the service decades before you even think about death. When my grandfather died, we all admired how he had planned the service and paid twenty years prior to his death. The family incurred minimal costs. This life insurance thing isn’t for everyone, so look at all your options.

Racing, especially NASCAR, embody the American male fascination with speed and motoring. However, fans of racing have begun to notice that more and more women are entering the sport at every level and in every class. There were four women competing in a truck race I saw a few weeks ago in a field of sixteen. I am one who enjoys having women around sports. I would also like to make it known that women should be in every sport, if they were good enough. This is easier said than done because males simply are physically stronger in most cases. When the best women are pitted against the best men, the men usually prevail…

Even if you are pretty set with your lover, be sure that every once in a while you do something that is pretty simple: make her feel special! Exactly what you have to do is known only to you, because you are the only one that knows what she likes. Some of us have it easy, and our girls will be happy when we take them to eat at a nice place or to go se a movie together. Some have girls that are more materialistic and want things bought for them, like clothing and jewelry. You know your woman, so make her feel special every once in a while, would you?

If you look at the road today, you will see two different, but equally expensive kinds of vehicles guys tend to turn to. I have always thought those big trucks were a feeble attempt to hide something embarrassing, if you know what I mean. Also, anyone other than retired old men with trust funds buying a sports car is asking for nothing but trouble. Between gas and special maintenance, your great car can become a terrible burden. That is why those of us who have a budget should stick to economical vehicles with decent gas mileage. That is why imports are so popular – they are cheap at their base price, and guys love tuning and improving them as time goes by. Talk about a father/son bonding opportunity!

The most important role of any man’s life should be to continue his legacy through his offspring. Guys in general get a bad rap for all the deadbeats out there, and trust me, I know. I had a deadbeat father myself, but luckily I had a Dad. He wasn’t even related to be my blood, but loved me no less than his own. That is what being a Dad is all about. Any guy can get a woman pregnant, but that doesn’t mean you get a card on Father’s Day. I know my birth father isn’t, that honor goes to my Dad. He was the one who took me to baseball games, watched me win awards, and wished me the best of luck when I left home. Remember who your dad is this Father’s Day, it may not be as clear cut as you think.

A few decades ago, a concept such as a male staying at home to raise the kids and do chores while the woman was the breadwinner was all but unheard of. Now, however, there is a big shift in gender roles all across the board. Although still relatively rare, more and more dads are staying at home with the kids while mom makes the money. Guys that take the role of caregiver, even for a short amount of time by circumstance, often appreciate their partners a lot more when the tables turn. Staying at home isn’t for the meek at heart, there is a lot to be done to run a household that you may not even realize. The laundry your mom has done for you since you were a kid? You have to do it yourself when your wife isn’t around!

Well, I don’t think I am qualified to give an answer on this one, but I will give it a shot. I think it is perfectly fine for a guy to cry in certain situations. However, a guy crying too often can come across as feminine and sensitive. I would say try not to cry at fictitious events, like a movie, unless it is especially touching. Real events, like someone’s passing away is a perfect opportunity to cry. Try not to get hysterical, just shed a few tears to show everyone you aren’t coldhearted and emotionless. That is the drawback of being a guy that never, ever cries. You get accused of being a robot, so once in a while let loose and let the waterworks roll in, just try to do so around your friends.