Archive for February, 2008

Men Are Children At All Ages

By Penelope Phillips

It has often been told that men grow old but never grow up. It is therefore important to identify which traits and personality quirks you can tolerate, and those that you cannot.

People don’t change. I have mentioned this fact in other articles, but it simply cannot be understated. “Pipi-caca” humor will most likely never grow old, even if your guy is successful in his working life, and well educated. Learn to tolerate his childishness but let him know what your limits are.

For example, a friend of mine is a university professor, a published author who just happens to own a farting machine. Yes, a FARTING machine. He even goes as far as to plant it under the seat of unsuspecting guests at dinner parties. The resulting confusion and embarrassment bring tears of laughter to his face! This man is successful, ambitious, very well off, by all appearances a dignified older gentleman, and still takes pleasure in simple humor on occasion.

To return to the point of this article, while men may not be perfect, with a little coaching and direction they can make great mates, excellent fathers, and provide stability and – dare I say it? – Happiness. You may have to roll you eyes, or indulge his inner child on occasion, but what is the alternative? Either you end up alone with far too many cats, or miserable. And besides, farting machines are uncommon.

The youthfulness or childishness of men can be endearing if you embrace it. Further, allowing men to fully be themselves can provide a solid ground to build a future full of happiness and love. While you may be thinking that not all men are immature or young boys wearing adult clothing, you may be right. But I guarantee it will not be any better. Picture it: dry cocktail parties, silence, and boring evenings. You would be better off with an occasionally childish man. What is important is having shared dreams, goals, ambitions, and plans for the future. A little silly humor on occasion isn’t so bad, now is it?

If necessary, create limits and boundaries.

Men are wired differently than women. My intent here is not to throw around generalizations. I know full well that there are a proportion of men who does not fall into this category, and somehow manage not to be dull. However, embracing your man’s inner child can provide an extended youthfulness and joy.

Enjoy each other’s quirks, and appreciate the youthful spirit of one another. It will allow for a better future, and possibly making growing old together a little more fun.

Dating Advice For Men: Be a Gentleman

By Penelope Phillips

Here’s something I hear all the time from women: “He’s not the same guy he was when we were dating!” Oh boy. If I had a dollar…

Well guys, it’s a fact: good manners are ALWAYS appropriate, whether with your date, your mother or even complete strangers. Since we’re dealing with dating here, we’ll focus on that.

In the fast-paced, casual society in which we live, good manners – being a “Gentleman” – often seem quaint and old-fashioned. While that may be the case, that’s not a reason to abandon them, quite the contrary! Showing your good breeding around women you are attracted to will make a lasting impression, because of the fact that it is so rare.

Kind of like wearing a bow-tie. But I digress…

Here are five simple things you can do that will at least give you a start on appearing to be a Gentleman. If you are diligent and stick to it, you may even become one!

Hold the Door. Easy to say, easy to do, and you’ll do it a hundred times a day. Don’t bow or make a show of it, just hold the door open and allow the lady to proceed through the door first. You’ll be surprised at the results. There is an exception: if it is a revolving door, you should go through it first so the women can follow you without the effort of pushing the door.

Be polite. It seems I shouldn’t even have to say that, but here goes: BE POLITE! It’s something you should do anyways. Always say “please” and “thank you”, be respectful to your elders – especially if the elders in question are your future in-laws! Call older men “Sir” until they expressly tell you to stop.

Open the Car Door. You’ve heard the saying: “When a man opens the car door for a woman, you can be sure that either the car or the woman is new.” Well, don’t let it happen to you! Opening the car door is a polite, respectful thing to do, always appreciated, that takes no thought and even less effort.

Be On Time. When you have a date, strive to be on time, even if you have to wait 30 minutes afterwards while your date finishes getting ready. Being fashionably late might work at a dinner party, or if you’re a visiting head of state, but it won’t work with your date. Be respectful of her time and yours.

And Finally: Don’t Swear. Swearing, even mildly or casually, is never appropriate. It makes you look like a classless rube.

So there you have it. Five very, very simple things to do that will make you look and feel like a gentleman. If you stick to them for a while, you’ll soon be doing them unconsciously, and then you will REALLY be a gentleman!

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