What defines a man?

1. 77

   calynbanaposted 11 years ago

   What defines a man?
   
   How does one know if somebody is a man rather than a boy or  just a guy.

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2. 0

   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   Character is what defines a man. How they act when no one else is around.

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3. 0

   An AYMposted 11 years ago

   You don't, because there is nothing specifically defining of "Manhood" (Unless you want to count the obvious hardware requirements).  Every individual has their own individual concept of the idea, and no one meets those standards 100% of the time.  So we would probably think of someone as a "Man" until they failed the culturally imposed standards and then by someone's account they are no applicable as a "man".
   
   What's important to me as a judge of a person's character (Regardless of gender) is how they act when things are going wrong.  It says a lot to me when someone can still be decent and kind to those uninvolved in their circumstances when bad things are happening to them.

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4. 83

   Cristaleposted 11 years ago

   his actions and his attitude defines a person. I actually made a hub about this topic!

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5. 61

   bluebirdposted 11 years ago

   A man shoulders his responsibilities, he doesn't take on something unless he is confident he can complete it. He gives instead of takes, he loves instead of hates, he trusts instead of worries, he smiles instead of frowns, he grunts instead of cries. He looks to God as his father and guide and authority. He serves his woman in kindness and tenderness. He puts others interests ahead of his own.
   
   He is a rarity and he is my husband of twenty seven years.

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6. 79

   dashingscorpioposted 11 years ago

   This question has a slight undertone to it that harkens back to the term "Real Man".  Legally according to the law any male that is age 18 or older is considered a man. In other words if he got arrested he would be tried as an adult.
   However I suspect you are asking how can you tell if a guy is "mature" and "responsible". If he does what he says he will do, takes care of his obligations, and is willing to admit he is wrong if he has made a mistake those are the key traits to being a (good) man. Needless to say a guy who is an abuser, irresponsible, or immature is still a man with those traits. To call him a boy is an insult to actual boys. There is such a thing as being a "bad man".
   I personally have never understood the need for some people to go around labeling other people. More often than not those are the people that are looking to "manipulate" someone. They try to brow beat them into doing what they want them to do. "A real man would ....etc" Truth be told a "real man" would not let someone else define who he is.
   All that matters is you spend your time with someone that has the traits (YOU) are looking for. If you determine a guy does not have them then you move on. One woman's trash is another woman's treasure and vice versa. Ultimately we're all looking for someone that (naturally agrees) with us on the major things in life.

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   1. 77

      calynbanaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I like your answer. I was asking this question to see how many contradicting answers showed up, to show the ridiculousness of labeling. I already found my man though :p

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7. 65

   yoginijoyposted 11 years ago

   I recently came across a book by David Deida called The Superior Man. It is a very interesting read.  The author doesn't mean superior in the Darwinian sense at all but rather underlines the importance of a man living from his true essence. I think may people could learn from this book.

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      An AYMposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That description makes me think of the book "Thus Spoke Zarathustra".

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8. 55

   tussinposted 11 years ago

   What differentiates a "man" from a "boy" is also what differentiates a "woman" from a "girl."  You know it when you see it.

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9. 69

   connorjposted 11 years ago

   
   
   It is simply revealed in his actions and (if you will) his reactions to stimuli; thus, one must observe, spend time with him and allow him to display his character. One must be patient; therefore, quick engagements and marriages could indeed be a significant mistake... My best advlce to anyone; is quite simply, never be in a hurry...

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10. 61

    actionbronsonposted 11 years ago

    I would have to say the character and soul of the human being. Not physical possessions.

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11. 58

    JamesGrantSmithposted 10 years ago

    A man faces up to responsibilities, is confident, bold, goes after what he wants, Is not afraid to be wrong. A boy is none of these things.

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