5 Skills Every Man Needs

So you can swing a hammer, turn a wrench, and maybe even set the clock on the DVD player. Good for you, you're pretty handy. But you're still lacking the real skills that you need to survive in the big bad world, and maybe impress a babe or two along the way. I'm talking about skills our Grandfathers possessed, and are still needed if you wish to be a truly independent guy. So if you're ready to cut that last apron string, and really become "your own man", read and learn

Sewing

By sewing, I don't mean that you are able to make your own clothes, but rather you can replace a button or fix the hole in your pants pocket that your change keeps falling through. Trust me guys, this is a critical skill that is sure to impress. Now don't get me wrong, you don't need to learn a bunch of stitch types and sewing techniques, this is a skill that just a little knowledge will go a long way.

Fortunately for us men there are many wonderful websites out there where we can learn this ancient skill in the privacy of our own man-caves. Monkeysee.com is a wonderful site containing how-to videos that will have you sewing like you know what you're doing in minutes. Just grab yourself something off the floor like that sock with a hole in the toe, or even a chewed up dog toy, and get some practice in. You will find that just a learning a couple of stitches will set you up for life.

Cooking

Even though we are genetically programmed with the ability to apply fire to meat and make food, this is not cooking. Neither is remembering to peel the cellophane off the mashed potatoes compartment of the TV dinner before it goes into the microwave. No matter what you believe, if you need to add a flavor packet or cheese powder and milk, you are not cooking.

Again the gift of the internet is here to rescue us. If you are at a total loss here is a site that teaches you everything from the lingo, to prep work, to full blown, impress any date meals. Cooking is a skill that will take time and practice to learn, but since it involves a favorite guy pastime, consuming food, it's a skill with a manageable learning curve.

Laundry

Dude, you gotta do it, so do it right. If your mom isn't around to tell you how to do it, try here for the lowdown.

I'm serious man. No Babe will want anything to do with you if you stink or are wearing used-to-be-white-but-now-they're-pink boxers and socks.

Using Coupons

That section of the newspaper with all the colorful pictures that falls out while you're on your way to the sports section is a little gold mine. Believe it or not, stores will let you buy 2 things and only have to pay for 1, let you pay 20% less than you normally would, or even get a free Turkey if you spent enough money on everything else you need. The catch of course is the "coupon". And yes, bastions of manhood such as auto parts stores, hardware store, and even sporting goods stores may have coupons.

Here's the how it works. After you pick up what's referred to as the "sales" or "coupon" section from the floor, read through it. More than likely you will see at least one thing you will need to buy anyway sometime in the next week. Once you have found one that is useful, cut it out and put it somewhere you won't forget it, like your wallet. Once at the store, pick up the couponed item, most coupons have pictures on them to help you make sure you have the right thing, and head to the check out area. When it's your turn, present to coupon to the cashier, they'll do a bit of magic, and Ca-Ching! Once you get used to the process, and do it on a consistent basis, you'll be able to save enough money to get yourself something really useful, like a new tool.

First Aid

Levity aside, Basic First Aid is a skill everyone should possess. What is done in the time between injury and treatment by medical professionals could mean the difference between a cool scar, and living in an urn on someone's mantle. So find out where your local Red Cross is, sign up for a class or two, and learn a few life saving skills. While you're at it, spend some of that hard earned coin and get yourself a couple of decent first aid kits for your home and car.

So there you have it. 5 basic skills that will start you off down the path to true, independent manhood.