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by Esther IS Flesh and Blood S.
Member since:
May 8, 2007

A Real Man

October 14, 2008 07:23 AM EDT
views: 206 | comments: 111
This list was sent to me by my friend Thomas and I thought that I would share it with all of you.  Men this isn’t bashing. 






1.)  A REAL MAN respects his mother and places his family first.

2.) A REAL MAN RAISES HIS KIDS, not JUST out of pocket either.

3.) A REAL MAN supports his woman to develop herself.

4.) A REAL MAN doesn't worry about what others depict as a real man. Walk in his shoes first and then tell him what makes him A REAL MAN.

5.) A REAL MAN doesn't Break Promises

6.) A REAL MAN calls you beautiful, not hot, sexy, or fine as fuck.

8.) A REAL MAN CALLS YOU on a daily basis - NO MATTER HOW BUSY OR TIRED HE IS.

9.) A REAL MAN looks past what he's heard about you or what his friends think of you.

10.) A REAL MAN wants to spend as much time as he can with you & won't get sick of you.

11.) A REAL MAN comes over just to watch movies with you.

12.) A REAL MAN kisses you on the forehead just because.

13.) A REAL MAN doesn't tell you what he thinks you want to hear. He tells you what's real.

14.) A REAL MAN should be treated like one.

15.) A REAL MAN doesn't ask questions when you say you need something....him, sex, money, or a bed to sleep in.

16.) A REAL MAN lets others know how He Feels About you.

17.) A REAL MAN doesn't play games!!!!!!!!!!!

18.) A REAL MAN doesn't leave you to go and hang out with his friends if he hasn't seen you in a week and then call you at 4 in the morning because he needs some loving.

19.) A REAL MAN doesn't deny you.

20.) A REAL MAN doesn't just think about sex.

21.) A REAL MAN Doesn't Judge the book by the cover.

22.) A REAL MAN wouldn't use his friendship card to get what he wants.

23.) A REAL MAN knows the difference between a REAL WOMAN and a random girl.

24.) A REAL MAN won't degrade a woman with words nor will he ever put his hands on her in anger.

25.) A REAL MAN sends you flowers JUST Because.



 

Men please give me your take on this list.  Ladies, Do you know a Man who follows all of this criteria?  Please tell us about him.  I know that I have personally met some of the men on this list but can’t honestly say that I have met ONE MAN who followed all of it.  What say you??



 

 

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Comments: 111

Jules ~ Oct 14, 2008, 7:26am EDT
Sigh. I want a real man. Do you know where I can find one? (but here's a secret....a real man wants a real woman.) Yeah, I'm working on it. ;)
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Mary M. Oct 14, 2008, 7:29am EDT
Very good list!
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Heidianna "Coriander" T. Oct 14, 2008, 7:31am EDT
I've met many men who fit several, but not all at the same time. It's a good list. Hey, no one is perfect, right?
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Cindy A. Oct 14, 2008, 7:44am EDT
Does this real man exist? I just dont think so...because we are all human and this man would be too perfect for me! I like a man with some inperfections! I do especially like number 12...I liked being kissed on the forehead...it makes me feel loved somehow ;)
and now...what do men think describes a "real" woman?
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Denise B. Oct 14, 2008, 7:45am EDT
nice list and except for the flowers my hubby comes pretty close (I say close because he is not this perfect ALL the time) :) I would definately call him a REAL MAN :)
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 7:46am EDT
Julie - But my dear, aren't you already a real woman? Some men just can not handle us "real" women...

In Texas, we do have a rather large abundance of REAL MEN.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 7:47am EDT
Mary - Thanks!
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 7:48am EDT
Cori - That's what I thought. I've never met the man who follows all of the criteria on the list. I found it interesting that my friend, a MAN would tell me that he believes in all of the points in this list. I don't know whether he was trying to win me over by this or what but it does kind of make one wonder doesn't it?

You're right. NO ONE is perfect.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 7:50am EDT
Cindy - I too do not believe that a man who follows all of the criteria on this list exists. Some may come close but I have never met even one who comes close in all honesty.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 7:50am EDT
Denise - Great for you!

We all wish that we had a Real Man too!
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mary bryant Oct 14, 2008, 7:52am EDT
Oh my. Now that is a fairy tale list if I have ever seen one. But us girls can dream. Right?
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Randee "The Court Jester of LaLa Land ! ! !" always and forever, I just want to celebrate Oct 14, 2008, 7:53am EDT
Good morning Esther ! ! !

I can honestly say that I fit all of these but one............
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Randee "The Court Jester of LaLa Land ! ! !" always and forever, I just want to celebrate Oct 14, 2008, 7:54am EDT
I love to play games................
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Ken K. Oct 14, 2008, 8:05am EDT
I have been faithful, supportive & honest. Not perfect either. Yet... There does come a point where a man's needs for warmth & togetherness must be met too. Good list. It must work both ways .
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Samantha V. Oct 14, 2008, 8:08am EDT
Wonderful list, but it's unrealistic to expect anyone to follow that many things all at the same time, whether man or woman, no one's perfect, period. :D
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Kimber L. Oct 14, 2008, 8:21am EDT
My hubby!!!!
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Larry M. Oct 14, 2008, 8:25am EDT
I was doing great until I hit that last one about sending flowers. Since I have no esthetic sensibilities I can't tell what flowers look best and so forth. I have to take my wife of 30 years to the store and let her pick her own flowers.

So I'm only 96% of a real man. :-(
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Rita j. Oct 14, 2008, 8:35am EDT
so very true
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Heather C. Oct 14, 2008, 8:45am EDT
Amen!
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Hollie ~TNR Works~ Oct 14, 2008, 9:36am EDT
Interesting list!
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Kimberly Ripley Oct 14, 2008, 9:38am EDT
You know what.......I've got one of these real men. I've been blessed!
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Sy g. Oct 14, 2008, 9:48am EDT
Ladies. Please. Number 13 has got to go. Are you kidding?

I now quote from a peer reviewed published paper describing a carefully controlled experiement done at Harvard University. Thirty women asked their husbands or lovers the same question. Which was
"Do I look fat today?"
Fifteen of the men were instructed to say "no". The other 15 were told to say "Not what you think she wants to hear, but what you really think." 8 of these men said something other than no. (suckers!!). All 8 women were upset, 2 filed for divorce.

Of course I made that up, but Im sure if the experiment were done, that would be the result. Every guy over the age of 16 has learned this.

#10 reminds me of the great country song, "How can I miss you, if you never go away?"

I would mention # 20 also, but its been done many time before.
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Lisa Frost Oct 14, 2008, 10:22am EDT
Sy that is a little distorted. A woman wants a man to appreciate her. My size shouldn't be the issue. It isn't a matter of saying what I want to hear, it is a matter of saying the truth with tact. Of course NOBODY wants to hear, man you look fat today. A little concern, or genuine caring is what is needed. do you want to hear that you are looking exceptionally bald today? The fact is, your hair or lack would not be an issue with me. If I thought you looked like something was wrong, i would tell you, but it is not about your hair, and that is what a woman may need in that case. Tell her what you really think about her, and look at her with true love.
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Kelly Kay Oct 14, 2008, 11:08am EDT
I know of some of these rare creatures you speak of ;) My husband is almost there but he has one really annoying habit; when he talks about me he refers to me as "the wife", not Kelly & I HATE that. But each year that passes we become closer; we love & respect each other a little more each day. (Just some days I respect him louder than others.)
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Larry M. Oct 14, 2008, 11:28am EDT
Sy,

"What's real" isn't "you are fat." You need to answer the question that she's really asking. That question is "Do you like the way I look?" or "Do you approve of me?" The answer to that question should be honest. Your behavior will show it anyway.

Possible good answers to the question would include, "I like the way you look" (combined with a big hug). "Are you questioning my judgement in choosing you to love?" (Feign shock.) "All right, whose been insulting my wife. Let me at them." (Complete with boxer's pose.)

You see, you can answer the question honestly in all sorts of ways and make her feel good.

Number 20 has two meanings. A real man doesn't think ONLY about sex. and A real man actuall does sex, not just think about it. Naturally, the lister means it in both senses.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 11:49am EDT
Mary - It does appear that there are a lot more REAL MEN out there than anticipated. I have had a few good men but not perfect men but that's ok too. As long as they don't hurt me, and respect me I am fine with that.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 11:54am EDT
Randee - You little devil you!
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 11:55am EDT
Randee - Of course you do!
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 12:02pm EDT
Ken - You are absolutely right of course. With any relationship it must be a give and take. I won't say 50/50 because it never works out that way but as long as the two are happy with whatever the balance is that's what matters.
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M & M. Oct 14, 2008, 12:04pm EDT
Oh dear, I am so lucky. My husband is 100% of that list. Thank you for posting it. I hope other women have a man like that.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 12:08pm EDT
Samantha - I do believe that there are Men like this most of the time. My Father is one of these and always has been.

I never expect anything of anyone. If one does these things ~ beautiful. If not there are just some things that must be met regardless of my lack of expectations or not. I'm not going to be with a man who would not respect me or would hit me. I may not notice it in the beginning of the relationship or even marriage but those two negatives would be enough to send me packing my bags as they have in the past.

My Mom has always had a saying that behind all good men is a good woman. A Man is a reflection of how the woman treats him and the examples that she gives out. Sometimes depending on how the woman feels about certain things the man will change his way of thinking or acting to appease her. I can give many examples of this but won't at this time. Perhaps on another occasion.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 12:09pm EDT
Kimber - Great for you!
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 12:11pm EDT
Larry - You are not less of a man because you don't know what flowers to buy your wife silly man.

I am quite sure that whatever flowers you should decide to bring your wife would make her happy just the same. I don't know how long you have been with your wife but I would think that after a while you would get to know what she liked or what she didn't like.

I am proud of you and I know that your wife must be one very happy lady! Kudos!
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 12:12pm EDT
Rita - I would have to agree.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 12:12pm EDT
Heather - I will second that emotion!
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 12:16pm EDT
Hollie - Yes it is really isn't it?
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Nancy S. Oct 14, 2008, 12:58pm EDT
Esther my father was like that ALL the time. I'm not sure if he bought flowers but I've seen him pick wild flowers and she loved it. He was what I judged all men supposed to be. I felt like a real failure when I was divorced because I wished for my kids the kind of life I had.
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~Sia McKye~ Oct 14, 2008, 1:05pm EDT
Some great ideals to try and live up to and like with all ideals, few will get them all. I think that love is a the secret ingredient here.
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Amy C. Oct 14, 2008, 1:41pm EDT
So true! I like this one!

Good afternoon butterfly
Animals Butterflies Comments And Graphics
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 2:03pm EDT
Kimberly - Indeed you have been blessed my dear. Indeed you have. ;)
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 2:13pm EDT
Sy - As a man wrote this, I would only have to imagine that what the man thought was to be able to give his mate some type of comment letting her know that he cares period. Not so much to say "Ugh! You look horrid in that," but more on the "hon, I think I like you better in the blue one," or something like that.

When I ask my mate that question, I already know that I look good. Not to sound conceited but I do know how I look. I just want him to acknowledge me and to let me know he is accepting or appreciative of how I present myself when we are going out together. Some men just never give compliments and other's do give them so I would imagine that those men who compliment their mates on how they look or how their hair, legs, feet, eyes, dress, whatever looks are the women who never have to think to ask their mate's how they look.

10.) A REAL MAN wants to spend as much time as he can with you & won't get sick of you.
In my opinion Sy, I would think that this would be appropriate for those women who are not married to their partners and quite possibly are still in the dating stage. Many times I have heard of women talking about how their partner would prefer to be out with the guys than to spend quality time with his girl. And then only to call her after he has had his fun out with his friends call her for a booty call. When in a committed relationship, I feel that most of us women would have to admit to appreciate their own private time without their mate. At least that is the way it is for me.

Lastly 20.) A REAL MAN doesn't just think about sex.
I think that what the man who wrote this was thinking more along the lines that he appreciated the sex with his mate but it wasn't all emcompassing and the most important aspect of the relationship.

I kind of like those too.

Thanks for your input.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 2:16pm EDT
Lisa - I would have to agree with your "It isn't a matter of saying what I want to hear, it is a matter of saying the truth with tact."

You also said "Tell her what you really think about her, and look at her with true love..." and I would have to add to this sentence acceptance.

Very nicely put hon.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 14, 2008, 2:19pm EDT
Kelly - You are very lucky to have that perfect special someone. I do believe that there are a lot more good men out there than what one would imagine.

"The wife"...well I guess I would prefer that to the old one that used to be heard back in the '70's "my old lady." haaa! That one was terrible although I wasn't old enough to ever have been called that, I hated hearing it.
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Suze P. Oct 14, 2008, 3:21pm EDT
Great list..and nope, I've never met a guy who fits all of these either. I haven't been so great at the whole man choosing thing in the past LOL But my honey definitely has a lot of them covered. :O)
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Cindy A. Oct 14, 2008, 3:40pm EDT
Sy, I certainly dont think number 13 is so bad....
for some people
....
I can only speak for me, but I dont need anyone else to tell me how I look, and no I am not fat. At least not in my opinion. I have never asked a man if I looked fat, if I did, I know it and I certainly dont need anyone else to tell me that. I think that if anyone, male or female asks that kind of question, they need an honest answer!
I love the kind of answers this post has generated..good job Esther!!
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Peter Joseph Swanson Oct 14, 2008, 3:52pm EDT
ha ha - are you certain you didn't describe a real lesbian ???
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Peter Joseph Swanson Oct 14, 2008, 3:54pm EDT
p.s. never tell a woman she looks fat - tell her she has a bodacious Goddess-like figure !!!
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Gary (aka: William Pinn) J. Oct 14, 2008, 4:46pm EDT
A real man defines himself and does not let others define him. However, there is nothing wrong with being responsible and considerate with women and children, and such attributes should not be limited to real men.
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Di(dee) T. Oct 14, 2008, 6:06pm EDT
o dear.... sigh.... that's dreamy!
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Marianne R. Oct 14, 2008, 7:05pm EDT
I need a real man ;)
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Sy g. Oct 14, 2008, 7:07pm EDT
Ooops. In my naivete (you would think I would know better by now) I mistakenly thought this was a good thread to unleash a bit of tongue in cheek commentary on the Battle of the Sexes theme. Sort of a relief form the unrelenting politics. As I said, oooops.
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Marge H. Oct 14, 2008, 7:51pm EDT
My husband comes pretty close.
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Kathryn E. Oct 14, 2008, 8:34pm EDT
yeah, difficult for any human being to do and be all this. Honesty and sincerity rank high on my list. That would cover about half of the list.
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Robin"Buffy's Stunt Double" D. Oct 14, 2008, 9:32pm EDT
Loved this.
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meg pattinson Oct 14, 2008, 9:55pm EDT
now where can i find this real man you are talking about? i want one ! haha
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Larry H. Oct 14, 2008, 10:51pm EDT
thanks for sharing.
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El Toro Bravo de Amor Oct 14, 2008, 11:30pm EDT
I failed. I'm a fake one. My poor (HOT!!!) wife.

Who, BTW, would be afraid she'd been demoted to "daughter" if I started kissing her on the forehead. :)
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El Toro Bravo de Amor Oct 14, 2008, 11:31pm EDT
and I don't feel bashed. Just happily outside the lines.
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Liz [site-Raven] Please critique my poetry. Oct 15, 2008, 1:46am EDT
Very interesting Esther. Now, I cannot quibble with each point that you have mentioned. But I can say this, and that is, that today women and perhaps men have a tendency to wish for, or want, or insist upon listing many requirements for their mate. And they require so much that it can never be met. Ever. And there is much disappointment and disillusionment and failure in relationships. So, well...that is it I guess.
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Dena Straughn Oct 15, 2008, 1:57am EDT
I gotta good one.
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Dai P. Oct 15, 2008, 3:24am EDT
I must say I have been wonderfully blessed!! My first marriage was a complete disaster! He would have failed that list entirely, and the marriage ended with a restraining order.

But! For the past 3 years Ive been blessed with one of those mysterious REAL MAN fellas. He spoils me rotten, he's so close with my kids they've been known to slip and call him Dad. He puts up with my 'bad hair days', depression spells, and when I make a comment about being fat he snuggles me close and tells me to shut up, and tells me how beautiful I am, followed by one of those sweet forehead kisses.

He knows I destest roses, and unlike my first hubby, rather than get me roses he has stopped and picked me wild flowers, and has sent me lilies, my favorite. We respect each other completely. We're more like best friends than anything, with benefits of course lol But, he lets me feel free to just be myself, at all times, no matter what that may be from day to day, and I do the same for him. We live in the same house, spend each day together, but we come and go as well. When I get off work Im not expected to rush right home, I dont get interogated if Im a few minutes late from stopping to shop etc.

I couldnt ask for a more perfect man. Perhaps not 'perfect' in the literal sense of the word, but perfect for me.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 5:47am EDT
Larry - You seem to understand the female psyche pretty well. I don't think that you need any help my friend as I would consider you a REAL MAN anytime.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 5:54am EDT
Judi -
A real man isn't afraid to cry. :) I didn't think there was such a thing as a real man until I met my husband, he fills your list and then some. He didn't leave when I became ill and has stood by my side through it all. I am blessed.
Judi J., Oct 14, 2008, 11:44am EDT

You know that is so true. A real man isn't afraid to cry. My Father has always been a real macho man but he is gentle and kind too. He has cried a few times during my lifetime and can say that I look at him even more proudly as to be able to show those emotions that would have been thought to show weakness with other men. On the contrary, he has proven that he has heart and we love him so for that.

I am very happy that you have your perfect man hon. I understand what it means to have a man stand by your side when you are sick and have been sick for long periods of time or even if one has an illness that is for life. My Father is such a man for my Mom with her Lupus and countless other illnesses. My Mom too is there for him and has even cured him from the debilitating effects of a stroke when one side of his face was effected.

I do believe that it takes two to make a perfect or real man.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 5:56am EDT
Margieanne -

Oh dear, I am so lucky. My husband is 100% of that list. Thank you for posting it. I hope other women have a man like that.
Margieanne M., Oct 14, 2008, 12:04pm EDT

Yes Margieanne, you are lucky. And there are many women who are still looking for that real man who is perfect just for her.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 5:59am EDT
Nancy -
"Esther my father was like that ALL the time. I'm not sure if he bought flowers but I've seen him pick wild flowers and she loved it. He was what I judged all men supposed to be. I felt like a real failure when I was divorced because I wished for my kids the kind of life I had."

I can relate with the having felt like a failure when I divorced as well. Although I never had any children I could feel a sense of being a loser for having gone through the divorce especially since my Parents have now been married for 52 years.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:02am EDT
Sia -

Some great ideals to try and live up to and like with all ideals, few will get them all. I think that love is a the secret ingredient here.
Sylvia D., Oct 14, 2008, 1:05pm EDT

I would have to agree that not all of us want the perfect man but at least someone who we can be proud of, one who will love and protect and honor us with respect through to the very end.

That is my fondest wish and desire. I don't want a Real Man or a Perfect Man, just a man for me who will be as I just stated.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:03am EDT
Amy - Glad that you liked this. ;)
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:04am EDT
Russell -

We men should each aspire to be real.
Russell M., Oct 14, 2008, 3:19pm EDT

I don't doubt for one moment that you are any less than a real man from the times that I have heard you tell of the great love and adulation that you have for your wife and your children. I know that you are a Real Man! ;)
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:09am EDT
Suze -

Great list..and nope, I've never met a guy who fits all of these either. I haven't been so great at the whole man choosing thing in the past LOL But my honey definitely has a lot of them covered. :O)

I truly don't feel like most of us women need a Real Man as one who has all of the qualities on the list because some of them just do not apply to all men.

For instance 2.) A REAL MAN RAISES HIS KIDS, not JUST out of pocket either. I don't think that this necessarily applies to all men because first of all not all men have children. Not all men divorce but for those who do divorce and forget that their children must eat, need clothing, school supplies, and love and affection most importantly. This one on the list would apply to those men.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:12am EDT
Cindy - I agree with your reasoning behind number 13. I too would have to think that the women who are asking their mates how they look is because their mate is probably one of those who never compliments her on how she looks so must "fish" for her compliments. I hate to have to ask that. I already know how I look but a little acknowledgment goes a long way in my opinion.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:14am EDT
Peter - Peter, Peter, Peter.

ha ha - are you certain you didn't describe a real lesbian ???

Haaa! No, I don't think she would fit into some of these categores outlined above but if you know one perhaps you can ask her to come over and tell us all about the ones on the list that you can fill.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:15am EDT
Peter -

p.s. never tell a woman she looks fat - tell her she has a bodacious Goddess-like figure !!!
Peter Joseph Swanson, Oct 14, 2008, 3:54pm EDT

By George! I think he's got it!! ;)
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:16am EDT
Gary -

"A real man defines himself and does not let others define him. However, there is nothing wrong with being responsible and considerate with women and children, and such attributes should not be limited to real men."

I would have to agree for the most part. I also agree with the fact that all of these attributes should not be limited to only Real Men but to Real Women as well.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:18am EDT
Di -

o dear.... sigh.... that's dreamy!
Di(dee) T., Oct 14, 2008, 6:06pm EDT

Yes, the list does kind of reach for the very top, sort of like the upper echelon of dreams for us women indeed.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:18am EDT
Marianne -

I need a real man ;)
Marianne R., Oct 14, 2008, 7:05pm EDT

Come down to Texas honey, you'll find one for sure!
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:21am EDT
Sy - NO harm done. I don't think that you said anything wrong whatsoever. That your comments were said tongue in cheek as a respite from all of the politics "stuff" was fine with me.

I am not the type of person who judges. I simply gave you my input as to your remarks and meant no harm nor disrespect by it.

Thanks hon!
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:22am EDT
Marge -

"My husband comes pretty close."

You are a lucky lady and must hold him close and let him know how much you love him and cherish the man that he is.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:25am EDT
Kathryn -

yeah, difficult for any human being to do and be all this. Honesty and sincerity rank high on my list. That would cover about half of the list.
Kathryn Esplin , Oct 14, 2008, 8:34pm EDT

I really don't think that all apply to all men. I also don't think that most on that list are beyond attainable either. And you're right Honesty and Sincerity rank high on my list also and they would indeed just about cover half of the list along with Love.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:25am EDT
Robin - I am glad that you did hon!
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:26am EDT
Meg -

now where can i find this real man you are talking about? i want one ! haha
meg d., Oct 14, 2008, 9:55pm EDT

Like I said to Marianne, Come to Texas ~ we've got an overabundance of Real Men here.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:27am EDT
Larry - You are so every welcome.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:30am EDT
Bret -

"I failed. I'm a fake one. My poor (HOT!!!) wife."
I hardly think so mi Torito de Amor. From what I have seen of how you are about your wife, your grandbaby and everyone else in your family you are more of a Real Man. Of course I'm also saying this because you are one of my bestest and dearest friends and I will be waiting for my tip later. ;p
Who, BTW, would be afraid she'd been demoted to "daughter" if I started kissing her on the forehead. :)
Oh, I doubt that Debbie would think that you had demoted her to daughter if you gave her a loving kiss on the forehead at all. I rather think those sweet kisses like that take you a long way honey.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:32am EDT
Bret - Mi Torito de Amor

and I don't feel bashed. Just happily outside the lines.
Bret W. El Toro Bravo de Amor, Oct 14, 2008, 11:31pm EDT

Since I didn't write the list I didn't want anyone to think that I was bashing men. Actually my friend Thomas sent it to me. I think he was trying to PROVE that he was a REAL MAN to me lest I blow him off...hidden agenda it seems...haa!
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:38am EDT
Liz -

Very interesting Esther. Now, I cannot quibble with each point that you have mentioned. But I can say this, and that is, that today women and perhaps men have a tendency to wish for, or want, or insist upon listing many requirements for their mate. And they require so much that it can never be met. Ever. And there is much disappointment and disillusionment and failure in relationships. So, well...that is it I guess.
Lady Raven Spirit, Oct 15, 2008, 1:46am EDT

Since I didn't make the list and it was given to me by my friend Thomas I would have to say that you are probably right. I do think that inspite of someone reaching for the stars on a list such as this all of these things can all be achievable. All of them by one man if he is dedicated enough and loves enough and respects his partner/mate. I do believe that love is a two way street and what the man should do are things that women should also do. I believe that it all begins with Loving, Honoring and Respecting your partner/mate through thick or thin.

At least those are just the three most important things for me in a relationship.

And yes, there is an enormous rise in divorce. I wouldn't attribute it to things on this list. I would more attribute that to people not giving their partner a chance or the opportunity to work things out for the benefit of each other and possibly the children involved.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 15, 2008, 6:39am EDT
Dena - I am happy for you!
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JOHN BECK Oct 15, 2008, 7:03am EDT
#25 When we were first going together I brought flowers one time and her roommates wouldn't leave her alone because they contended that no guy brings flowers for no reason. They grilled her: "Is this some anniversary of your first date?" etc.
#13 Sy's comment reminds me of a presumably untrue story: A fellow who had never dated went on a blind date with his friend. "I won't know what to say to her." "That's easy: say something that is complementary and personal but honest." So they went to a dance and all evening the dating neophyte thought and thought about what he could say that would satisfy all 3 criteria. Finally he had it: "You sweat less than any fat girl I've ever met!"
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Sy g. Oct 15, 2008, 8:49am EDT
Great comments here. But, being as imperfect as I am, I can not resist tossing myself one more time into the flames, with the following, admittedly silly response to all this emphasis on men. Yes, here it is, an abridged version of the Real Woman.

A Real Woman

1. Hates Shopping
2. Lies through her teeth about how great you look
3. Pretends you are the greatest lover in the world
4. Laughs at all your jokes
5. Always admits when she is wrong and you are right. (Even when she is right)
6. Has a pretty bad memory, at least when it comes to the idiotic things you have done over the years
7. Is easily pleased
8. Loves sports, especially on TV, or if not, at least tolerates it.
9. Understands that fatherhood is about the fun part of parenting
10. Has no interest in “changing” you
11. Cares about her appearance, but never bugs you to shave at least once every three days or so.
12. Other than the above, is always honest
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Liz [site-Raven] Please critique my poetry. Oct 15, 2008, 9:36am EDT
Hi Esther how are you? We might have to agree to disagree here....but I might easily be wrong. I sort of left this decision up to God.......I asked for one thing. And it is 31 years later 26 of them married...........and we each have our flaws [I have many more than he has]. He is a really fine man and I am a real bitch but I do have the qualities[other ones] he needed.
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Curt L. Oct 15, 2008, 11:42am EDT
Well, I guess I am quite close to being a real man.
But does that leave me unreal?
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Carol Lloyd Oct 15, 2008, 4:23pm EDT
good list!
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Jean E. Oct 16, 2008, 11:38am EDT
hmmm............perhaps its because I am still a newlywed ~ but husband vito meets all of these requirements ~ and interestingly #1 on your list is the reason I fell in love with him in the first place ~ I love my husband and all his good traits and the not so good.......ahhhhhhhh ~j
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Andrea (Ms. Conservative) L. Oct 16, 2008, 9:47pm EDT
I've got a real man
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 18, 2008, 12:26pm EDT
Dai - I loved your comment and especially the comment "Perhaps not 'perfect' in the literal sense of the word, but perfect for me."

And with that answer, that is the answer of the day. No one can foretell or tell anyone what or who is best for whoever. Only the two involved can tell each other whether they are good for one another or to each other by living with one another. My Perfect or Real Man isn't necessarily someone else's.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 19, 2008, 8:45am EDT
John - #25 When we were first going together I brought flowers one time and her roommates wouldn't leave her alone because they contended that no guy brings flowers for no reason. They grilled her: "Is this some anniversary of your first date?" etc.

That's odd that her friends would say such things. I have always found it a gentlmanly gesture and an old fashioned romantic trait when a man brings me flowers. I simply adore the gesture. It must have been jealousy on the part of her friends asking those ridiculous questions. I certainly hope that what others said didn't influence your decision on whether or not to continue sending those flowers.

#13 Sy's comment reminds me of a presumably untrue story: A fellow who had never dated went on a blind date with his friend. "I won't know what to say to her." "That's easy: say something that is complementary and personal but honest." So they went to a dance and all evening the dating neophyte thought and thought about what he could say that would satisfy all 3 criteria. Finally he had it: "You sweat less than any fat girl I've ever met!"
Good, but a little gentler on the honesty part would be ideal! hahaha!
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 19, 2008, 8:53am EDT
Sy - Your list A Real Woman

1. Hates Shopping
2. Lies through her teeth about how great you look
3. Pretends you are the greatest lover in the world
4. Laughs at all your jokes
5. Always admits when she is wrong and you are right. (Even when she is right)
6. Has a pretty bad memory, at least when it comes to the idiotic things you have done over the years
7. Is easily pleased
8. Loves sports, especially on TV, or if not, at least tolerates it.
9. Understands that fatherhood is about the fun part of parenting
10. Has no interest in “changing” you
11. Cares about her appearance, but never bugs you to shave at least once every three days or so.
12. Other than the above, is always honest

Wow! Talk about high expectations!

I consider myself a Real Woman but find that numbers 2 and 3 aren't necessary as I wouldn't lie about those things. Furthermore, why would I want to waste my entire life in a lie?

All of the rest are easy as I don't try to change anyone, ever. Respect, love, and adulation cover the rest...at least for me they do.
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Esther IS Flesh and Blood S. Oct 19, 2008, 8:57am EDT
Liz -

Hi Esther how are you? We might have to agree to disagree here....but I might easily be wrong. I sort of left this decision up to God.......I asked for one thing. And it is 31 years later 26 of them married...........and we each have our flaws [I have many more than he has]. He is a really fine man and I am a real bitch but I do have the qualities[other ones] he needed.
Lady Raven Spirit, Oct 15, 2008, 9:36am EDT

I am doing great! Thanks for asking.

I don't see any reason why we should have to beg to disagree on anything. I always put my faith in God to send me a proper mate. I don't go around looking into Eharmony into find that perfect mate. If you find one that is exactly like you then where is the fun and adventure of it all? The discovery? The wonder?

I believe in acceptance, good or bad, through thick or thin. Isn't that what marriage is all about? Unfortunately I have not been blessed yet with the type of man that you have so I keep my chin up and keep on praying.

Thanks so much for your input!
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