There are all sorts of prescriptions out there for what it takes to be a man. Some of them involve buying things you don’t need: leather wallets and silk ties. Others still require investing in and expanding on your education. If I’ve learned anything about being a man so far, it’s that there are no hard-and-fast rules to manhood. There are, however, some things that every adult male should know that will help him through the business of living his life and being a leader among his peers. This isn’t a list about how to be a man: better writers than I have written novels on the subject and fallen well short of an answer. Think of this as a list that will give you the edge on being a lifelong leader while you’re still figuring it all out. Here are 25 Things Every Man Should Be Able To Do By The Time He’s 25.
25. Start A Fire
24. Use Basic Tools
23. Own a Plant Without Killing It
22. Enjoy Your Workout
21. Dress for the Occasion
20. Understand Your Financial Commitments
19. Cook a Proper Meal
18. Sew a Button
17. Understand How Your Friend Fixed Your Computer
16. Take an Insult Without Starting a Fight
15. Follow A Budget
14. Play A Song on A Musical Instrument
13. Change A Tire
12. Have A Preferred News Source…And At Least Two Others
11. Avoid Talking About Yourself
It is amazing how many men in their thirties and beyond can’t converse about anything other than themselves. The key is learning not to fill every small pause with more hot air. Focus on listening in conversation. The best part about listening is that you’re learning something new rather than regurgitating old stories you’ve told dozens of times. Every minute you keep your mouth shut is a minute that you aren’t risking embarassment.
10. Appreciate Old Art
9. Compliment Your Friends
Even the most humanitarian among us struggle with jealousy. You can’t help feeling pangs of envy as you watch your peers succeed, but you can stop yourself from letting these feelings control you. Start by learning how to pay your friends compliments on their achievements. Be there to applaud their best moments and they’ll be there to congratulate you on yours. Better yet, they’ll be there to support you at your worst, when you really need them.