A Man's Guide to Chick Flicks: What to Watch when You Watch Them

It takes a real man to keep a woman long by his side. You may think it takes the kind of man who will open car doors, mow lawns, fix electrical appliances gone bad, or defend your honor. This may all be true. You may be able to attract a lovely lady if you do a few of these things plus buy her flowers. However, if you want to make it more permanent, you have to do one other thing: watch a good chick flick from start to finish.

Yes, it may hurt at first, but trust me guys: your lady will appreciate it! I've seen many of these (thanks, Mom) unwillingly, but I learned over time that there are a few movies that weren't too bad and could actually teach you something about the opposite sex. My wife of seven years thinks nothing less of me when we watch them together and the night ain't over when the movie's over, so I'm definitely onto something.

Guys, watch these movies. This is my little list of five "chick flicks" that were watch-able, what you can learn from them, what you need to know about so you don't get caught ogling, and how much tissue you might want handy...for the lady, of course.

1. Movie:The Notebook. What's it about: Two people get separated after developing a great summer love connection. What you can learn: How to make that connection you have with your lady last a lifetime and still keep it real. The guy in the movie wasn't prone to some crybaby bull crap when he lost his woman to some rich dude because of her snotty parents. He got drunk and restored a house for seven years straight.

That's how he let out the pain; he got constructive. But once he re-connected with his lady, he never let her go again. Warning: There's some steamy lovemaking in the house between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams after the reunited couple escape a thunderstorm. Ooooooh hot! Kleenexes: two, maybe three at the end. I was a faucet with no gasket when the credits rolled.

2. Movie: Bridget Jones' Diary- What it's about: A T.V. reporter struggles with her seemingly overweight body, quirky habits, all the while trying to find Mr. Perfect. What you can learn: how to appreciate your lady's imperfections.

You've got your few, too. Embrace them and enjoy them. Besides, Renee Zelwegger looked kinda cute with a few pounds. Warning: Zelwegger accidentally dresses up as a cocktail bunny for a party clearly not intended for costumes. Yowsa! Kleenexes: none. But you'll learn a lot about how to fight for honor when Collin Firth and Hugh Grant "throw down".

3.Movie:Joy Luck Club. What's it about: It's a reflection of cultural differences between some older, Asian ladies and their U.S.-born daughters. What you can learn: you can get a little insight into that weird mother-daughter relationship. You'll be able to see what your woman and her mother go through when they have those weird arguments about the littlest things. Warning: if you're into Asian chicks, Tamlyn Tomita and Ming Na are hot through and through. Kleenexes: a handful. Lots of drama involving kids.

4. Movie: Steel Magnolias. What's it about: A lot of ladies in a Louisiana beauty salon make conversation about their wacky family. What you can learn: Your woman's girlfriends and family will always be close in an alien way to you. Respect it. Warning: Julia Roberts is sexy-librarian lady cute in this one. Dolly Parton ain't so bad herself in this, either. Kleenexes: One, maybe. Touching death scene, but you may be able to hold it down.

5. Movie:Phenomenon. What's it about: It's about a guy who suddenly inherits genius-like powers, but loses a little bit of himself as time goes on. What you can learn: If you're married to a good woman, she's better than you think she is. She'll love you in your worst days to come and long after that. Warning: This has Kyra Sedgewick before "The Closer". If you thought she was MILF-like, she's 10 years younger in this movie. Kleenexes: two for the end.