Photographs: Peter Drier/Wikimedia Commons
Here are some fairly straightforward rules to be a better man. Can you follow them?
How you treat a woman behind closed doors matters.
Never forget a favour.
Keep your opinions to yourself.
Here are some fairly straightforward rules to be a better man.
Can you follow them?
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1. Chivalry goes beyond holding doors
You've seen it in the movies and you've read about it in magazines.
Holding the door for a woman is a wonderful gesture (not to mention a public one).
How you treat her behind that door is what really counts.
Do you treat her well?
Do you show her respect?
Do you take her opinions into account before coming to a decision that concerns the both of you?
Hold as many doors as you want if you don’t treat her well, you are as chauvinistic as the other fellow.
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2. If you aren't invited, don't go
Photographs: Still from the film Wedding Crashers (Picture used here for representational purposes only.)
Gate crashing may have been fun in college.
But think of it really, if you aren't invited to that party, there's a chance it's because they didn't want you there and not because they forgot the invite.
So don't.
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3. When she says no, it's a no
Pretty straightforward huh?
Sadly, not a lot of us seem to get it.
When the no is firm, she isn't flirting.
Take the hint.
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4. Don't insist on dropping her home
Photographs: A still from the film Besharam (Picture used here for representational purposes only.)
You may think it's the 'correct' thing to do.
But consider this: She possibly thinks *you* are the threat!
Perhaps she doesn't want you to know where she lives.
So yes, do offer to drop her home but do not insist on it.
Also, refer to rule number 3.
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5. Buy yourself at least one custom-made suit
Photographs: Still from the film Men in Black (Picture used here for representational purposes only.)
As you grow older, you'll find yourself in situations that demand a good suit.
Save up and splurge on a good suit -- not the ready-to-wear one but a tailored, well-fitted two piece.
This may sound frivolous but the moment you look at yourself in the mirror, you'll know what we mean.
Stay that size.
Which brings us to the next point...
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6. Exercise
Photographs: Chris Wattie/Reuters
The older you get the harder it gets for your body to lose weight.
Practice some form of exercise regularly.
Not only will it keep you healthy, it'll also make you a happy person. (Psst. It's true!)
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7. Don't expect her to spend on your parents
Photographs: Uttam Ghosh/ Rediff.com
She may be a career woman but she does not owe your parents or your siblings a thing.
Don't expect her to fork out cash every time they need it.
If she does help out during an emergency, ensure you pay her back as soon as you possibly can.
Insist on paying her back or put it away in her name.
Find a woman who earns more than you. It'll help keep your ego in check.
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8. Have few friends
Photographs: A still from the film 3 Idiots (Picture used here for representational purposes only.)
Because it is always better than having two you can fall back on than 200 on Facebook.
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9. Catch up with them every once in a while
Photographs: A scene from the film Karthik Calling Karthik (Picture used here for representational purposes only.)
Friendship, like your car, must be kept in constant repair.
Call them up; meet up with them; hear out their problems too.
Because really, after your family, they are the only ones you have.
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10. Never forget a favour
Photographs: (Picture used here for representational purposes only.)
If someone's done you a favour, there's a good chance s/he is going to call in a chit from you at some point.
Be prepared for that day.
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11. Watch what you post social media
Photographs: Rediff Archives
Selfies are cool if you're 13.
Photographs of you standing next to an expensive car means only two things:
- That you don't own it
- That you will never own it
So don't.
Your Facebook wall is a reflection of who you are. You will be judged by it!
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12. Ask what kids you will give the world
Photographs: Ho New/Reuters
Everyone is worried about what they want to hand down to their kids.
Few wonder what kind of kids they want to give this world.
Be that parent.
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13. Learn to cook
Photographs: A still from the film Ramji Londonwaley (Picture used here for representational purposes only.)
And cook for her as many times as you possibly can during the week.
For all that she does for you this is the least you can do for her!
Share the household responsibilities.
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14. Tip generously
Photographs: David Petts/Creative Commons
How you tip reveals who you are.
So the next time you visit a restaurant or take a cab, loosen your purse strings.
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15. Keep your opinions to yourself
Photographs: Rediff Archives
Unless you're asked, keep your opinions to yourself.
When asked, be brief. Don't ramble on.
Because the only person to whom your opinion matters is the person you look at in the mirror! :-)
Did we miss something?
Post your suggestions on ZaraBol -- #How-to-be-a-better-man -- and we will carry the most relevant responses, right here on Rediff.com!
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