How To Be A Man — 2018 Edition

Source: Christopher Cloos

Five years ago, I wrote an article for Business Insider, “How To Be A Man”, along with my Twitter pal John Carney (@Carney). It went viral, with more than 4 million unique views and 400k Facebook likes.

The original list — succinct and cynical — broadly stands the test of time, and is still a great reminder that most men are in dire need of guidance. However, in fairness, the world is somewhat of a different place today, and I am a different person, having written a bestselling book, become a father (twice), and started a successful, charitably-orientated fashion line.

As such, I thought it worthwhile to update and revise our thoughts, if for no other reason than that most people don’t have the time to watch Jordan Peterson spend ten minutes ruminating on an idea that can be summarized in a sentence.

So here’s is an updated list of how to be a man in 2018:

1. Ignore the boos. They usually come from the cheap seats.
2. Never tell someone you hate your job. If you’re still working there in six months, they’ll know you are a loser.
3. Never cancel dinner plans with a woman by text message.
4. Know at least one good joke.
5. You don’t have to keep every secret, just the important ones.
6. You can either make people happy when you walk into a room, or when you walk out of one. It’s up to you.
7. Never ask the same question twice.
8. Never stop dating your wife. Keep doing what you did to get her in the first place.
9. Don’t let your job define you as a person.
10. Stop talking about where you went to college.
11. Always carry cash. Keep some in your front pocket.
12. If someone breaks into your house, shoot to incapacitate first, then fire a shot into the ceiling. Tell the cops the first shot was a warning shot.
13. Rebel from business casual. Burn your khakis and wear a suit or jeans… or better yet, these…
14. It’s okay to trade the possibility of your 80s and 90s for more guaranteed fun in your 20s and 30s.
15. Appreciate your parents. When they die, you…