The October issue of Popular Mechanics includes this article: “25 Skills Every Man Should Know.” After I read it, I had to find out if Karl possessed these most important skeelz. So, I asked him. Here’s his repertoire:
1. Patch a radiator hose–check
2. Protect your computer–check
3. Rescue a boater who has capsized–I don’t know
4. Frame a wall–check
5. Retouch digital photos–not really
6. Back up a trailer–no
7. Build a campfire–check
8. Fix a dead outlet–check
9. Navigate with a map and compass–don’t know, but he can utilize a map correctly. AND he can fold it properly when he’s finished.
10. Use a torque wrench–check
11. Sharpen a knife–check
12. Perform CPR–generally, yes
13. Fillet a fish–check
14. Maneuver a car out of a skid–been there, done that; however, we must question his consistency in these kinds of maneuvers.
15. Get a car unstuck–with help
16. Back up data–check
17. Paint a room–check, check, double check
18. Mix concrete–check
19. Clean a bolt-action rifle–check
20. Change oil and filter–check; Hubs does this for our vehicles. Makes him feel real manly.
21. Hook up an HDTV–check; may be one of his proudest moments
22. Bleed brakes–what?
23. Paddle a canoe–check
24. Fix a bike flat–check
25. Extend your wireless network–check; and I am really enjoying it!
Other things Karl can do that I think are important:
26. Hold/walk a baby just right so that he/she falls asleep.
27. Cook up something tasty on our grill. He’s just as good in the kitchen.
28. Sew a button and repair his dress pants when they tear.
29. Hospital corners.
30. Repair all kinds of broken things.
31. Find everything on the grocery list AND remember something I forgot.
32. Open jars.
33. Build nice bookcases when we need space for more books.
34. Find a stud.
35. Build a computer.
36. Cut his own hair.
37. Pull teeth.
38. Rescue trapped squirrels from range/hood duct.
Last, but certainly not least,
39. Jump start a vehicle.
40. Explain the difference between illegal motion, illegal procedure, and illegal shift.
I think I’m going to add to this list as I think of things. For example, Karl displayed his expertise in consoling our son when he realized he was losing the game of Risk they were playing.
41. Excellent verbal skills, can express himself well, diplomatic.
What other skills do you think are important?
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Leslie Wiggins 
8 responses to “25 things every man should know how to do”
Here’s one my husband is very good at: noticing what everyone in the family is currently interested in and taking an interest himself.He also cuts out newspaper clippings of note for our interests,whether he is personally interested or not.If I mention that I’m intrigued with “such and such” or “so and so,” he pays attention.Says “love” to us.(Karl sounds like a wonderful husband and father)
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I read these to my hubs and he could do most of them, but none of the computer ones. I’m the geek when it comes to data and wireless.As for things I think a man should be able to do:fix a meal for everyone in a pinch; like grilled cheese sandwiches and warm a can of soupIt has come in handy SO MANY times when I’ve had to go somewhere short notice, or been on bedrest and unable to cook.And there is one very important thing I think every *married* man should be able to do but I can’t spell it out here, if you get my drift 🙂
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What a guy! Last night my husband made us dinner and it was wonderful. He cooks better than I do. 🙂
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HD–one of his proudest moments for my man as well! Hey, I’m in desperate need of some bookcases; does Karl hire out?:-)
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Mine unloads the dishwasher every single morning before he leaves for work. Do you know this better than cash money to me???He can do most of the list items as well, but the idea of him retouching digital photos makes me cringe.Somebody is gonna end up with a moustache and horns.
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Moustache and horns? Now THAT I can do!
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Wow, your husband is very talented. If my heart ever “generally” stops beating, I hope he’s around. :)The thing I appreciate most about my husband is his ability to stay calm at all times. (and it sometimes also annoys me!)One more thing…no matter where we are, my husband has already noticed shady characters, where the fire exits are located, and mapped a route out of the building before we even sit down. And this actually came in handy one time! He keeps us safe.
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Wow! These days, those are important skills, Brenda.
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