PLAY: The real man

Most women these days bemoan the lack of a 'real man'. To be fair, the definition is ambiguous because they still demand decent dress sense and some sensitivity. However, a common disappointment is the handyman factor.

 Knowing how to fix your ipod, xbox or laptop do not count as tool time. Calling someone to do the job is similarly unappealing. Yes, you have the cash and the need for convenience - weekly cleaners, 12 ironed shirts for $12 and removalists who unpack for you too. But the biggest (balls) test is this - does she call you or does she still call her dad when it comes to the 'real man' stuff? If you don't like the answer, start liking the toolbox. Equal opportunity and all that but the fastest way to brownie points is taking charge with manly duties. And if you like nice cars, know the inside too. A friend on a date was driven to a local lookout point for a romantic tête-à-tête. The Beemer cut out and her 'man' had to call another man to help him locate and jumpstart the flat battery. Yep, that's hot.


 Even worse, modern male competitiveness has become less on-field and more 'on the streets'. With the rise of the skinny-boy-in-skinny-jeans, it's increasingly alarming seeing guys trying to out-vintage and out-style each other. That's right all you 'I've-moved-to-Bondi-so-therefore-I'm-cool' culprits, there's something scarier than being photographed by Fernando Frisoni for S without having perfected your pout - having women think you look like a pussy.


 The rise of the metrosexual in the early part of the decade gave way to a dominant belief that the burly bloke was out and stylish, have-a-clue charisma was in. This is still true to an extent. Yet there's a call once more for the manly man - rough, tough and uncontrived buff. There’s a direct correlation between male skinniness and unattractiveness to the female population. Skinnier jeans, skinnier arms and skinnier singlet straps on any man equals hugely unattractive. And just because you have guns, squeezing yourself into skinny jeans isn't ok either. It applies to any or all of the above. (Chunky bums in skinny jeans are equally as vomitus). Most of the time, she won't say anything but she's cringing behind your back. Trying too hard is just plain tiring and just plain unmanly.


 Brownie Points P.A memo: If you take longer to get ready than most girls you know, you have a massive problem. And that's before she's even undressed you to take a look down there. Make sure she still leads in the style stakes and give her a generous dose of compliments for a generous dose of brownie points.