Six month’s wages in savings in case he loses his job or needs time to make a career change.
He should have a classic tailored navy blue blazer, a pair of grey wool slacks, and pinpoint cotton powder blue shirt with an iconic repp tie. He should know how to use an iron.
A MAN SHOULD HAVE
A youth that gave a black eye, bloody knees and a scar that has a story. He should have learned to have gotten out of his comfort zone and taken a dare or two.
A MAN SHOULD HAVE
A small pocket knife, a crisp business card even if he is looking for a new job, a good joke that makes everyone laugh, a firm handshake, and story about his mother or grandmother others would enjoy hearing.
He should have at least two or three male friends with whom he can be vulnerable and be able to talk about things other than sports, politics and the weather. He should acknowledge the importance of the soul and his relationship with the spiritual.
A MAN SHOULD HAVE
The ability to chop wood and start a fire. He should be able to grill a good medium rare ribeye and produce tender salmon. Roasted grilled vegetables are a plus.
EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW
How to listen to a woman and not try to fix her or solve her problems. Just be there for her. He should practice the gift of holding hands especially at the movies and hug without expecting it to lead to sex.
He should clean the sink after he uses it. Clean the toilet and hang up his towel after a shower. Vacuuming and dusting are not woman’s work. Its just what needs to be done as well changing the sheets on the bed once a week.
EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW
That he will lose his hair or his hair will turn grey and be okay with it. It’s a sign of marinating with life. He has a responsibility to take care of himself and avoid a beer belly. His father may never had said, “I love you,” but that doesn’t mean he should carry that tradition on with his son.
EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW
His strengths and weaknesses and be good with that. He should be more interested in others than trying to be interesting or try to one-up someone else's story. He should apologize when he is wrong and take criticism as an opportunity to learn, not as a threat.
EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW
That bad times don’t last forever and neither do the good times. It’s called life. While it’s good to have a plan, life will mess with plans. Plan anyway and be prepared to change.
EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW
It’s more important to be be significant than successful. When he is gone, he will be remembered for the difference he made in people’s lives than for the title he had or the car he drove. Practice leaving people and places better than you found them.
EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW
That there is no security only opportunity. Live into the opportunity.
This blog post is dedicated to group of guys who continue to help me to learn what I should have and should know.
