Many of us have heard the saying he’s a man’s man. Perhaps not the younger generation as much today but certainly anyone who grew up watching and loving western movies and reading Louis Lamour novels would be familiar with the phrase. Louis Lamour was able to create characters that personified the characteristics that anyone would want to emulate. His main characters were brave, determined, skilled and rugged individuals who were loyal to their friends and in most cases honest. Of course there were villains and the odd misunderstood outlaw but his main characters were in most cases quiet heroes‘; confident yet humble, who you could depend on when the chips were down. In short they were men’s men.

They were the type of men any man would admire and want to be like. They were also the type of men most women would want for a husband. Any father or mother would want for a son in law. In most cases these men would become known by reputation and accomplishment in their own community. They would be admired and known for their character and younger men and boys would look up to them and aspire to be like them. Other men would hold them up to their sons as some one they should emulate and grow up to be like. Son “That fellow is a man’s man”.

I ask you today am I wrong or have these individuals become hard to find. Is our society producing it’s fair share of men’s men ? I know there are great individuals as evidenced by CNN’s Heroes and the sacrifices being made by our military every day. We have great sports examples like Sydney Crosby who so far seems to be on the right track but being good or should I say gifted in athletics is not what I’m talking about. Being paid millions to do something you love does not qualify you as a man’s man. How you handle that success and how you use your influence and money to benefit society could qualify you but that is not for me to decide. Tiger Woods would probably be disqualified at this point in his life but again that is not my call. My concern is the lack of young men I meet who do not seem to understand what is expected of them by society and the confusion those I know seem to have with trying to understand what they want from life. Most I know are totally preoccupied with their own circumstances and lack of direction. Many now in their thirties and still basically lost and confused.

Of course you can not say they are all the same but I am amazed at the similarities. These traits are: Any conversation is about them , they are above any kind of menial job, they want to start in management , they feel no pressure to try and help someone else and they have no sense of shame or embarrassment when it comes to paying their way or doing their fair share. To me it is as though no one ever taught them what it takes to be a man. What is takes to be respected and how to work. By how to work I am talking about a work ethic. Any obligation to make a living seems to be lost with many of these young men.

Again I do not mean to say all young men are like this . I just feel too many of the young men I meet seem to have these common traits and I am writing this article to hopefully give them some guidance as I feel they do not know what it takes to be a man’s man and they may want to be one some day. Here are a few basic man’s man guide lines.

1. A man’s man always works for his living. He will work at any menial job until a better job comes available but under no circumstances would sponge off of anyone.

2. A man’s man understands any success he has in this life will be due to his own efforts and he understands you only get to the top of any field or endeavor by starting at the bottom. He also understands to stay at the top you will need the knowledge gained along the way and the respect that comes from working your way through the ranks.

3. A man’s man always pays his way and never takes advantage of a friend or work mate. He always strives to do more than his share at work.

4. A man’s man always does the best he can at any task he sets out to do and persists until the task is accomplished. He is not a quitter. He never shirks his duties and he never asks anyone to do something he would not do himself.

5. A man’s man understands he must be a good provider for his family and a good example for his children. He must love and respect his wife understanding she is his partner in life and no success would be complete with out her support.

6. A man’s man does not steal.

7. A man’s man does not lie.

8. A man’s man does not instigate problems for others.

9.A man’s man talks about no person behind their backs.

10. A man’s man is not intimidated by adversity but confronts it head on in a reasonable manner looking for a solution to the problem.

These are 10 basic rules to follow to be considered a man’s man. This is only my opinion and I am far from perfect and I do not wish to offend anyone but perhaps there is some young man who could benefit from reading this article. Feel free to send it to him.

Luke  Dec/09