How to Be a Man: 25 Traits to Define Manliness The Way It Should Be

You might think you know how to be a man, but do you? If you are wondering what it really takes in the world to command respect, here are your answers.

A real man isn’t just a smooth talker or a guy who tries to fit in. He’s someone who’s always looked up to with awe and respect. And yes, he definitely knows his way around women too. So, read on for the things to know and traits for how to be a man.

There are far too many guys out there who just exist or constantly worry about ways to be admired and loved. But for a few real men, getting attention and the respect they deserve comes naturally.

Ever met a guy who makes you feel like less of a man?

You don’t need to behave like an alpha male or someone dominating to be a true man in the real sense. You just need to become a better you and a man in all its masculine definition.

How to be a man the way he really should be

A real man isn’t skin deep. Real men are created on the inside, and only accessorized on the outside.

If you truly want to be a real man who’s respected as a fine gentleman, here are all the traits of a true man that you need to blend into your own persona. [Read: What makes a man attractive? 38 traits that make women desire you]

It’s not something that can be changed in a day, but all you need is a start to go the right way to becoming a man who’s everything he really should be.

1. Have your principles

This is about who you are. Do you have principles in life? Have you created a few rules and codes of ethics that you believe in? A man of principles is a guy who clearly defines his belief into right and wrong and sticks to it.

Could you ever con someone for money? Would you ever have sex with a girl if she was too drunk to notice? You get the idea, right?

A man of principles is a guy who has a firm code of conduct. It’s not set in stone as life is ever-changing, but he’s well connected to his conscience to differentiate right and wrong. [Read: How to be perfect in everything you do and lead a fulfilling life]

2. The same rules apply to him

Most people in the world don’t even realize this rule. A real man follows the universal rule that he applies to others and to himself.

If he expects someone to apologize because they were late, he should do the same when he’s late too. If he wants his woman to avoid looking at other men, he should avoid looking at other women too.

A real man is not biased, nor does he set different rules for himself and others. [Read: How to romance a woman – 37 ways to woo the girl of your dreams]

3. His word is his word

If you want to know how to be a man, stand by your word.

When a man makes a promise, his word is oak. He stands by it no matter what. Most people may not understand this logic, but unless there’s no way he can keep his word, he does everything he can to hold on to the promise he’s made.

4. A real man is chivalrous

A real man knows how to behave with a woman. He treats his wife or girlfriend with love and affection, and always behaves chivalrously towards her, and other women in his life.

He is his woman’s pillar of strength and caters to her needs and wants. [Read: What is chivalry? The real meaning, the Knights code and modern men]

5. Respect and humility

A real man is humble and gracious. But yet, he carries an aura of authority that’s confident and decisive.

He always respects everyone around him unless their behavior calls for rude reciprocation. He is courteous towards women of all ages and will never ill-treat them or make them feel insulted.

6. A real man has dreams

Pursue your dreams and aspirations with passion and hard work. A real man is dedicated to his dreams, but at the same time, he doesn’t neglect the promises he’s made to the one he loves.

No matter how occupied you are, if you want to know how to be a real man, make time for the ones that you love. [Read: How to sexually attract a woman – 15 steps to max your desirability]

7. Sophisticated and well dressed

A real man isn’t addicted to cosmetics and skincare routines, but he knows to clean and groom himself. He’s well dressed and pays attention to his attire.

And if you want to know how to be a real man, dab those manly fragrances that make you feel and appear more masculine.

8. He’s aware of his world

A real man is not ignorant. He’s aware of everything around him and he keeps track of current affairs that matter to him.

He’s intelligent, a man of the world, and one who can be trusted to give good advice when he’s asked for it. [Read: Bad friends – 25 types of friends you must unfriend from your life]

9. The man is well-mannered

You can be cold-hearted when you have to, but be generous and giving when you see someone who’s genuinely needy.

If you don’t owe anything to anyone, you’re not obligated to help someone for no reason. A real man helps those in need, but not when they can help themselves.

10. Be determined

A real man is determined. He’s passionate and loyal to his dreams and aspirations.

He doesn’t pussyfoot around problems or hurdles. He plans his moves and executes his ideas with confidence and determination. [Read: What should I do with my life? 16 steps to design your perfect life]

11. He walks tall

A real man doesn’t hunch or lurk around like a thief. He makes his presence felt and walks with grace and confidence. He respects himself and feels no need to appear meek or weak in front of another person.

12. A real man is not sneaky

Don’t be vague or sneaky in your communication or your behavior. A real man calls a spade a spade and is always straightforward and truthful, unless he sees a need to hide the truth.

He doesn’t shift his feet in discomfort or make stories up to cover his incompetence. [Read: What is masculinity? 19 really manly traits women hope to see in you]

13. He’s in control

Be in control of your own life. Stay calm and composed even when things are slipping out of your hands.

A real man knows that panic and stress will only make him less efficient. He plans, makes decisions, and focuses on the consequences of his actions in a calm and composed state of mind.

14. A real man knows his priorities

Do you know what matters most to you? And do you know what really should matter most? Most men are confused about the real priorities in their life. Family and loved ones come before self-indulgence in worldly pleasures. [Read: How to be a good boyfriend – 33 traits that’ll make you the best ever]

15. A real man accepts his faults

If you want to know how to be a man, be willing to accept your faults, and don’t repeat them again. A real man doesn’t put the blame on someone else if it’s his own fault.

He acknowledges his mistakes and vows not to repeat them again. He understands that accepting faults or defeats doesn’t make him weaker. It only makes him more resolute and determined.

15. Have empathy

In our world, we think of empathy as being a feminine trait that makes a man appear weak. But it’s not. Empathy means that you can see a situation from another person’s perspective, not just your own.

This means you can’t be selfish. You have to take other people’s feelings and perceptions into consideration at all times. [Read: How to stop being selfish – 20 ways to stop using and hurting others]

16. Be a good listener

We know that sometimes you just want to watch a football game in silence and not be bothered by your woman. Or you believe what someone is talking about is silly and you don’t want to listen.

But a real man is a good listener. He will totally focus on the person speaking and give them the respect they deserve instead of ignoring what they are saying.

17. Be kind to everyone

Whether it is the CEO of a company or a man who empties the trash cans, a real man is kind to everyone.

If you are out to eat with a real man at a restaurant, he will actually talk to the server and remember their names. He will hold doors for little old ladies and anyone else who walks in or out behind him. Kindness is very important if you want to learn how to be a man. [Read: How to pleasure a woman – 19 subtle things every woman craves in bed]

18. Control your temper

Some men have anger that they can’t control. They might have verbal or even physical outbursts. But real men keep that under control.

They don’t let the rage out in inappropriate ways or at times when they should keep it under wraps. Instead, they cool down and express their feelings at a later time and in a logical, respectful manner.

19. He keeps his commitments

A real man is not flaky. If he asks a woman out on a date, he follows through. He might be very tired from a long day at work, but if he said was going to do something, he does it anyway *even if he doesn’t feel like it*.

He does not back out of plans. He is reliable because he respects other people and their time. [Read: 18 qualities of a good man that sets him apart from lesser men]

20. His words and actions match

If he says he really likes you, then he acts like it.

For example, if he’s newly dating a woman and he tells her how beautiful and smart she is, he means it and it shows through his actions. He will continue to plan dates and treat her well. What he will not do is say all of those things and then ghost her or ignore her. [Read: The nice Guy syndrome – 16 things nice guys do and how to fix it ASAP]

21. He focuses on one woman

He is not a player. If he is dating a woman, he will not be on dating apps. He also does not talk to multiple women at a time just to pump up his ego.

Instead, he focuses on one woman at a time. He doesn’t disrespect women by only wanting sex.

How to look like a man and behave like a real man

Want to feel more like a real man overnight? Try these five tips to appear more like a real man and intimidate others around you at the same time.

1. Don’t giggle

You have nothing to feel awkward about. If you think it’s funny, it probably is, so laugh out loud. If it’s not too funny, just smirk or smile from one corner of your lip. [Read: 25 things that turn a girl on sexually and otherwise about a guy]

Instead of giggling, just have a sense of humor about everything. You don’t need to be like a standup comic, but you want to make people around you laugh as much as possible. You could tell jokes, or you could simply point out the humor in life.

Everyone likes to laugh, so be the guy that everyone wants to be around because you make them feel good. [Read: How to be funny and charming and make everyone love your company]

2. Grow a beard *or mustache*

If that doesn’t prove you’re a man, what does? Well, at least it gives you the look of being a rugged and/or sophisticated man. A lot of women really love facial hair on a guy, and it gives you a good look.

However, don’t let it get too long and sloppy. Not only it is not a good look *and women don’t like it*, it’s not very sanitary. Imagine all the gunk that can get caught in that thing! Instead, keep it short and trimmed. [Read: How to court a woman – the meaning and 23 gentlemanly ways to woo a woman]

3. Have whiskey or scotch on the rocks

It’s a man’s drink, especially if you like your drink neat or with just a couple of ice cubes. Sure, most guys like their beer, which is also sort of a manly drink. But having a cocktail that is straight alcohol can put hair on your chest… metaphorically speaking.

But make sure this doesn’t turn into a bad habit. It’s easy to slide down a slippery slope into alcoholism if you don’t keep your eye on it. Do it once in a while when you want to relax and impress the people around you. [Read: Romantic dinner date ideas – 17 dates you will both never forget]

4. Have an intense eye contact

Real men aren’t afraid of eye contact. A strong eye contact makes you seem more manly and in control. Some people might think that having eye contact makes a man look too sensitive, but that’s not true.

If you are looking a woman in the eyes in a romantic way, she will love it. And if you are in a business meeting looking your clients in the eyes, you will command respect.

So, make sure you use your eyes to your advantage if you want to know how to be a man.

 [Read: 20 things women look for in a man to fall for him]

Being a real man isn’t as easy as most men think. If you want to be one, keep these principles on how to be a man in mind and live by these rules. Before long, you’ll be respected and loved for the real man that you are.