As I pointed out in my last post, I’m a manly-man –primarily because I can piss outdoors. But I often receive odd looks from other manly-men because of what might be called manly-man idiosyncrasies:
I don’t really follow sports. At all. None. If I were to follow a sport, it would be soccer, a sport most manly-men in the U.S. do not follow and many consider unmanly.
I sometimes use words like “idiosyncrasies” and then point out that I should get some kudos for doing that.
I don’t camp out very often.
I rarely go fishing.
I would rather read a good book than play touch football.
I don’t understand the whole slapping-of-the-asses thing in sports.
I used to hunt, but I haven’t done that in well over ten years (although I still enjoy going to the range and shooting once in a while).
There are a bunch of other manly inconsistencies, but these seem to be the biggest. If I walk up to a group of men, I often feel awkward because they’re usually talking sports and all I can do is stand there, nod my head, and say lame stuff like, “Yeah! That play was amazing! Go my favorite sports team! Kick that three-pointer!”
One of these days someone will ask me a specific sports question and my whole façade will cave in. I will be in definite danger of losing some major man-points.
I can still do some manly things. I can lift up a car hood and scratch my head. I can make minor home repairs without majorly injuring myself. I can do three pull-ups. I can even use a fairly wide variety of power tools.
But now for the big reveal: I actually prefer hanging out with women. Not because they’re better looking, sexier, and don’t scratch themselves as often as men –although I don’t discount any of those things. No, I think the preference is because most women are interested in the same things I am.
Here are some examples. They’re generalities of course, but hey, it’s my blog and I’ll do what I want.
Women read. That’s the biggest thing right there. Because I also read, I can discuss books with women and not feel like I have to fake my way through it. And, admittedly, a woman reading is just damned sexy.
I don’t really follow sports. At all. None. If I were to follow a sport, it would be soccer, a sport most manly-men in the U.S. do not follow and many consider unmanly.
I sometimes use words like “idiosyncrasies” and then point out that I should get some kudos for doing that.
I don’t camp out very often.
I rarely go fishing.
I would rather read a good book than play touch football.
I don’t understand the whole slapping-of-the-asses thing in sports.
I used to hunt, but I haven’t done that in well over ten years (although I still enjoy going to the range and shooting once in a while).
There are a bunch of other manly inconsistencies, but these seem to be the biggest. If I walk up to a group of men, I often feel awkward because they’re usually talking sports and all I can do is stand there, nod my head, and say lame stuff like, “Yeah! That play was amazing! Go my favorite sports team! Kick that three-pointer!”
One of these days someone will ask me a specific sports question and my whole façade will cave in. I will be in definite danger of losing some major man-points.
I can still do some manly things. I can lift up a car hood and scratch my head. I can make minor home repairs without majorly injuring myself. I can do three pull-ups. I can even use a fairly wide variety of power tools.
But now for the big reveal: I actually prefer hanging out with women. Not because they’re better looking, sexier, and don’t scratch themselves as often as men –although I don’t discount any of those things. No, I think the preference is because most women are interested in the same things I am.
Here are some examples. They’re generalities of course, but hey, it’s my blog and I’ll do what I want.
Women read. That’s the biggest thing right there. Because I also read, I can discuss books with women and not feel like I have to fake my way through it. And, admittedly, a woman reading is just damned sexy.
Now, is that sexy or what?
Women like movies. Granted, many of the movies are chick-flicks, but women seem to get into other movies that don’t require explosions and high body counts as well. And you can discuss movies with women after viewing.
I like the perspectives that most women have. Most women have quick wits, are funny without being cruel, have positive attitudes, and often show insights into life situations that men simply won’t talk about.
Women are often far more supportive than men. I think it’s probably awkward for many men, but women have no trouble saying stuff like “Hugs,” “Aw, don’t worry.” “That was really nice,” etc. Most men will say something along the lines of, “Hey, either fix the damn thing or get over it and move on.” Not that that’s not constructive, but it does lack a bit of finesse.
Maybe my appreciation for the company of women comes from spending so many years surrounded by women (my wife and two daughters). I know my thoughts and feelings might be biased because of that, but it is what it is.
And that's the best kind of bias to have.
And if I lose some man-points because of it, well, I’m okay with that too.
I like the perspectives that most women have. Most women have quick wits, are funny without being cruel, have positive attitudes, and often show insights into life situations that men simply won’t talk about.
Women are often far more supportive than men. I think it’s probably awkward for many men, but women have no trouble saying stuff like “Hugs,” “Aw, don’t worry.” “That was really nice,” etc. Most men will say something along the lines of, “Hey, either fix the damn thing or get over it and move on.” Not that that’s not constructive, but it does lack a bit of finesse.
Maybe my appreciation for the company of women comes from spending so many years surrounded by women (my wife and two daughters). I know my thoughts and feelings might be biased because of that, but it is what it is.
And that's the best kind of bias to have.
And if I lose some man-points because of it, well, I’m okay with that too.
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