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jsammons's avatar

What actions does it take to be a man?

Asked by jsammons (1143points) December 15th, 2009

Ernest Hemingway said that there are four requirements to be a man; you must plant a tree, fight a bull, write a book, and have a son.

I don’t think that to be a man you must meet those requirements. I believe to be a man you must mature (which seems to be hard for most guys), have a family (a family doesn’t even have to be kids and a wife.It can be a life partner or friends), and protect and provide for said family.

I know that there are some that think to be a man, you have to be a womanizer or be on the football team or even discriminate against others to the point of beating them.

I don’t feel like any less of a man because I may cry at a sad movie or because I can cook and clean.

What do you think defines a man from a boy?

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25 Answers

Starson's avatar

In my opinion being a man isn’t hard, being a man is being who you are.

jeffgoldblumsprivatefacilities's avatar

A twig and giggleberries.

I think it requires being supportive of your family, and being there for them when they need it. When you can do this instinctively, you’re a man. That and opening jars.

Millenium_TheMysteriousM's avatar

Accepting RESPONSIBILITY!

Jacket's avatar

Being yourself, having integrity and pride, and being a responsible adult usually does it. But this video might help too. link

holden's avatar

Having a penis.

Jewel's avatar

Being a responsible human with the testosterone to make me weak in the knees.

delirium's avatar

Biologically? Oral sex and tool use.

nicobanks's avatar

A pair of testicles.

jsammons's avatar

I mean deeper than ones biological make-up. What actions do you think it takes to define a man?

loser's avatar

Any idiot can have the parts. I think it’s what’s in the head and heart that counts.

ratboy's avatar

Pee standing up.

chyna's avatar

Mowing the grass.

Parrappa's avatar

After much research:

1. The ability to request sandwiches from women
2. The ability to eat those sandwiches
3. Having a strong pimp hand

Tomfafa's avatar

The best index to a mans’ character is how he treats people who can’t do him any good, and how he treats people who can’t fight back. ‘abigail van buren’

NUNYA's avatar

Being a man that lives up to his actions!!!! Are you that man jsammons?

NUNYA's avatar

@holden ROFLMBO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’d guess so!* LOVE IT!*

YCLYHO's avatar

someone who would die and fight to the death, if need be, in order to save his loved ones

Jacket's avatar

@YCLYHO So… like a mother then.

Cotton101's avatar

TWO WORDS: Hack and spit.

Say things like, “Wha…?”

Make up something to lie about to stay in practice. Improvise.

Feelings? What feelings?

Never listen.

Life is one big competition. If someone is better than you at anything, either pretend it’s not true or kick some arsh.

DO NOT make decisions about relationships. If you are backed into a corner and must make a decision, stall. If you still must come up with an answer, leave yourself a loophole for escape.

Every sentence that anyone says can be contorted to have sexual meaning. Do so.

This is a good place to mention you should be able to lie.

Silhouette's avatar

Personal responsibility is what separates the men from the boys.

MacBean's avatar

Some things that popped into my mind as I read this question, the details, and the responses:

- Hemmingway was full of shit.
– Genitals are irrelevant.
– Real men can cry, wear pink, carry someone’s purse and buy feminine hygiene products without feeling that their masculinity is being threatened.
– Also, opening jars. And killing bugs.

PretentiousArtist's avatar

Standing up for yourself

SirGoofy's avatar

Pay your way and pave your own way. Be willing to pay the way and pave the way for those closest to you….and when doing all this, be prepared to take criticism from the older and more experienced gents constructively.

Cotton101's avatar

Now, being serious about the question, a man is a person who is a leader and not a follower. A man lives by his convictions and stick by them. No “wishy washy” stuff. A man treats all people fairly and with respect. A man keeps his check book balanced and uses his money wisely. A man take responsibility for all of his actions. A man admits when he is wrong. A man knows how to explain his position and disagrees without being disagreeable. A man always put his family at the top of his priorities. A man never disrepects his parents. A man must be strong. A man must not take himself too serious. A man must avoids drama in any situation. Lastly, and certainly very important, a man must have a good sense of humor! Bottomline, it ain’t easy being a real man. Take a lot of guts and self denial.

Hopefully, one day, with more work on my part, will become the man that I would like to be. Words are cheap and actions only count!

mattbrowne's avatar

Wise men will realize that half of the people who are more intelligent than themselves are women.

Likewise, what actions does it take to be a woman?

Well, wise women will realize that half of the people who are more intelligent than themselves are men.

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