What makes a man "manly"?

[rockmom]

Recently I called my husband a "manly man" and I have been struggling with what that may have implied. I have since considered what characteristics I believe make a man manly but I want to hear what you guys and girls think makes a man "manly."

Updates

+1 y

im not going to say its manly or a requirement but these are the things I find admirable in a man: self-control, patience and the ability to handle stressful situations while appearing calm, can sympathize with others and put others needs before his own

Updates

+1 y

is intelligent and wise enough to recognize his own short-comings and I admire anything he can do that I can't. lol.

[Anonymous]

i agree with regularguy and weaponzero, beng a girl, when I thnk of a guy who is MANLY, I think of him being simple, confident, not trying to hard, wears his favorite same clothes all the time, laid back, relaxed, wallet in back pocket full of money (financially secure), has his own opinions on things, intellectual, street-smart doesn't have to be booksmart, gentleman knows how to treat a woman (not too fresh or a big flirt), is polite, respectful, follows religion moderately, eats steak (cliche but trueee I love a guy who loves his meat!), into sports or some exciting activity perhaps nature, ambitious, has a passion for certain things, can cook! I love a man who coooks, turns me on more than anything! doesn't smoke, drinks socially once in a while has fun parties etc

many physical aspects also contribute to a man being manly: for me, I get attracted to face hair, I love that light beard musky thing going on rather than a man being completely shaven (which is something a little boy would have), its what sets a man apart from a woman, I love the thick bone structure and meat/flesh on his bones, when they have tough hands, long fngers, theyre tall, broad shoulders, nice jawlines, don't need to have much muscle in fact I'm not a big fan of muscles, only a moderate natural amount is fine, I like sideburns, spiked/geled hair, big watches on their wrist, an earring stud, maybe a chain on their neck, when they walk, its more cool calm and consistent, theyre not walking too fast, dragging their feet, its just collective and charming, having an intense eye contact, being focused and respectful, having a deep voice is extremely manlyyyy! the way they sit, either with one leg folded over the other, crossed, or legs slightly apart and him slouching back, again that calm relaxed mannner...ugh amazing!

[rockmom]

Well you definitely know what you like. thanks for that image. =)

[WeaponZero]

I think you got a little bit TOO detailed there lol.

[cacapisu]

Wow

[Reeses-pieces777]

i guess manly men in my mind are those who don't like buying too many shoes, who like buying tools and hardware, watch sports, play sports, that sort of stuff lol.

[Marrryyyyy]

his back! lol..and the fact that he can pick me up in a second wihtout breaking out panting/in a sweat

[regular-guy]

When I think of a manly man, or a man's man I think of a man who is of above average physical stature and strength, loves the outdoors, handy with tools, good at and enjoys sports, often likes vehicles, exudes an air of confidence and leadership, frequently quiet and reserved but speaks when it is necessary (strong silent type), not flustered or bogged down by the little things, able to exercise restraint, shows deference and consideration to women and children, and a man who does his best to do the right thing, even if it is unpopular.

I know those aren't all the things that actually make a man a man, but those are the stereotypes that first present to my brain when I think about it.

[rockmom]

So you don't fully agree with the stereotype of a manly man. do you want to share your own opinion of what makes a man a man?

[regular-guy]

For me, being a man is nearly the same thing as being a mature adult--taking responsibility for your actions and acting with consideration and deference for others and being a good person. The bottom half of my answer from "able to exercise restraint" would also be part of my definition. I admire and enjoy the things before that part of my answer, but stature, strength, athleticism, "manly interests" are not what make a man a man.

[regular-guy]

Strength of character and the fortitude to do the right thing would probably sum it up for me.

[palek]

My woman no's I'm a man cause I wooped her daddy at arm wrestlin. That's how I got her. Told her daddy id bet my tater haulin truck against his Marlene that I could woop him an I did. Scooped her up an toted her home n' she been fetchin 'n spoonin fer me since. Only get ta keep her on the week ends tho because it turns out daddy been wooped before. always rainin sumwhere!

[rockmom]

Where do you come up with this stuff? lol

[palek]

Being as an idle mind is the devils workshop, maybe the devil makes me do it. Sure hope not!

[EasyEC]

Manly means being:

1) powerful and having presence. Ultimately, height and build aren't the principal factors--think Al Pacino. He's what...5'7"?

2) a good problem solver

3) a leader

4) able to keep the temper in check, but having one hell of a temper for when fighting is necessary (if ever).

5) dependable

[soxfan94]

I think this is a stellar answer. I'd vote it +5 if they let me.

[WeaponZero]

being a man means acting smart, taking care of your responsibilities, and acting responsibly.

being a man is NOT:

getting violent

acting jealous

being antisocial

being rich

being "popular with the ladies"

[NMMan]

This Al Pacino quote from Scarface sums it up for me:

"All I have in this world is my balls, and my word, and I don't break them for nobody."

Somewhat out of context of course, but I made my point. A true man is only as good as his word; if he is a man, he does what he says he will do. When it comes right down to it, all a man has in this world is his word - and if that's not good, then neither is he.

[soxfan94]

I think EasyEC has already answered this question perfectly, but for humor's sake, I'll add that in order to be a *true* manly man, a guy has to make the Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor grunting noise at least once a week.

[palek]

I like how he makes that gruntin noise. I try doin it but I keep gettin stuff on my shirt.

[soxfan94]

Hahahaaha. Hang in there, you'll get it before long.

[jcycler]

He has a tub of Gojo. Gojo makes a man a man!

[icecreamlover]

Huh what's that

[WeaponZero]

Its a hand soap that's made for mechanics and other people who work with a lot of grease . . . its the only stuff that can get your hands clean after having all that stuff all over it