Men’s Rules

One of our CrossTrainers speakers used these “Men’s Rules” to highlight some key differences between men and women. (Warning – there are many versions of these rules on the Internet – I have sanitized these.) Give these a read, and then stick with me for some follow-up thoughts.

“Please note ... these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!

1 Ask for what you want. Subtle hints don’t do it!

1 Most guys own three pairs of shoes - tops. What makes you think we’d be any good at choosing which pair, out of thirty, would look good with your dress?

1 Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1 Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That’s what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1 If something we said can be interpreted two ways, and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1 You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1 Christopher Columbus did not need directions, and neither do we.

1 ALL men see in only 16 colours, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a colour. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1 We are not mind readers and we never will be. Our lack of mind-reading ability is not proof of how little we care about you.

1 If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," we will act like nothing’s wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1 When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine. Really.”

Pretty funny, right? A few hours after laughing with all guys, I became convicted in my heart that I needed to review these again. They’re funny because there is truth here. Ephesians 5:25 comes to mind: “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the church” This morning I prayerfully turned these “Men’s Rules” into a means of examen. Where am I on this one? What do I need to do (or stop doing) to grow into the marriage relationship that Christ desires for us? These may reflect the current state, but by God's grace they need not reflect the future state.

My wife is the best, most noble woman on earth. Proverbs 31 was written about her. She is an incredible blessing to me. I pray that each of us can say this.