In a society of changing political, social and professional dynamics, the characteristics of men and women are constantly being redefined; gender roles being rewritten, or abolished altogether. No longer must the man be the breadwinner, nor the woman confined to domestic duties. A modern man, however, will retain certain qualities inherent in masculinity, blending them where necessary in today's times.
1. The modern man opens doors for women, whether a Starbucks, a Taco Bell, or your car, be it your girlfriend, or your grandmother. No, chivalry is not dead.
2. The modern man treats his body as a temple. Nobody insists that you must be a god of Crossfit, or a strict adherer to the paleo movement, but give the one body you have some respect. Visit a Whole Foods once in a while.
3. The modern man cooks. Grilled cheese isn't cooking, nor is reheating a frozen meal. At the very least, have culinary repertoire including spaghetti in a simple sauce, or chicken with some warm vegetables. Going out to eat is fun; cooking for your woman is more impressive.
4. The modern man can let "her pay" every once in a while. Most men like to pay for the majority of outings on our own tab, but if she volunteers to buy some movie tickets, there's no shame in accepting the offer and swallowing your pride. Once.
5. The modern man can ask for directions. While dignity and respect come from navigating the family back from vacation seamlessly, nobody likes being lost. When time comes to either rankle your passenger's nerves and patience in favor of your own ego...pass on the former and stop at the nearest gas station.
6. The modern man may have hair longer than his girlfriend. Excluding my own personal hair preference, it seems that "flows" and man buns are here to stay. That being said, keep it well groomed should you take this route.
7. The modern man might have a little NWA and a little Taylor swift on his iPod. He also has few NPR podcasts. Variety, gentleman, is the spice of life.
8. The modern man has more shoes than many of the women he knows. Loafers for a casual night out, Sperrys for those "boating" outings and a few pairs of Nikes for the various sports he engages in.
7. The modern will use an umbrella. He will realize this is not a sign of weakness, it's common sense. Also, I surely am not the first to notice this is a perfect way to help a stranded damsel in distress. You can thank me later.
8. The modern man has at least one "bromance." This is most likely someone you've known very well since high school, played sports with for ages and told all too much to. It's only weird if you make it.
9. The modern man has manners. It's not called being the alpha male when you demand what you want. It's being a jackass. Say please and thank you, like you did in the third grade. Also, your parents are not "Tom and Sandra," they are, respectfully "mom and dad."
10. The modern man has a copy of Sports Illustrated, Car and Driver, or Outdoorsman on his desk. Even if your subscription is maintained idly for you only to page through the pictures, this shows that you have an interest in something outside your professional duties. Stay diversified.
11. The modern man "locks" it during a handshake because it shows a firm respect, followed by a more casual "we're bros" finish to the traditional business greeting. "Bringing it in" for the bro hug, while a touching gesture, need not be initiated with your boss, professor, or presidential candidates.
Let the modern man be defined by his class as well as his ingenuity. Let him be defined by the way he upholds himself to certain time-tested standards. Being old fashioned as well as "new-age"; that is the modern man.
