Stuff Every Man Should Know (Stuff You Should Know Book 2)

1. Master Essential Life Skills: From Campfires to Car Care

The discovery of fire is one of man's greatest accomplishments. Using these instructions, you should have an easier time than our cavemen counterparts.

Build a campfire. Clear a 10-foot diameter area, create a fire pit with rocks, and gather kindling, sticks, and logs. Arrange materials in a teepee structure, light the kindling, and gradually add larger pieces. Ensure proper ventilation and extinguish thoroughly when finished.

Automotive care. Learn to jump-start a car by connecting jumper cables correctly: positive to positive, negative to ground. For changing a flat tire, locate the spare and tools, loosen lug nuts, jack up the car, replace the tire, and tighten securely. These skills can save time and money in emergencies.

• Essential tools: tape measure, hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, wrench set, drill
• Car maintenance: jumper cables, spare tire, jack, lug wrench
• Outdoor skills: fire-starting materials, knife, first-aid kit

2. Navigate Social Situations with Confidence and Charm

Ordering a bottle of wine can be intimidating, especially if you don't know the proper etiquette.

Master social etiquette. Learn to order wine confidently by considering food pairings, asking for recommendations within your budget, and participating in the tasting ritual. Develop the ability to give toasts by keeping them short, personal, and sincere.

Conversation skills. Make great first impressions by dressing appropriately, offering a firm handshake, maintaining eye contact, and focusing on the other person. Give genuine compliments by being specific, providing examples, and following up later. These skills will help you navigate various social situations with ease and charm.

• Wine basics: red for heavy meals, white for lighter fare
• Toast components: keep it brief, personal, and positive
• Conversation starters: ask about their interests, job, or recent experiences

3. Develop a Refined Palate for Drinks and Culinary Arts

A more expensive bottle doesn't necessarily translate into a better-tasting bottle.

Mixology basics. Stock a basic bar with essential spirits, mixers, and tools. Learn classic cocktail recipes like Cosmopolitan and Gin Martini. Understand drink preferences: citrus-based drinks improve breath, while sweet or milk-based drinks worsen it.

Culinary skills. Master the perfect omelet by whisking eggs with milk, cooking over medium heat, and adding fillings like cheese, vegetables, or meats. Grill like a pro by marinating chicken overnight, flipping burgers only once, and letting steaks rest before serving.

• Essential bar items: vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, vermouth, mixers, shaker
• Omelet fillings: Denver (ham, peppers, onion, cheddar), Greek (spinach, olives, feta)
• Grilling tips: use fish baskets, boil ribs before grilling, let meat rest after cooking

4. Dress for Success: Wardrobe Essentials and Proper Attire

With these items in your closet, you'll be prepared for virtually any situation.

Build a versatile wardrobe. Invest in key pieces like a dark suit, tuxedo, dress shirts, and quality shoes. Supplement with casual items like jeans, khakis, and polo shirts. Understand appropriate attire for various occasions, from white tie (tailcoat) to casual (jeans and t-shirt).

Personal grooming. Learn to shave properly using a sharp razor, warm water, and proper technique. Master basic clothing maintenance like sewing on a button. These skills ensure you always look polished and put-together.

• Wardrobe essentials: dark suit, tuxedo, dress shirts, leather shoes, belts, ties
• Dress codes: white tie, black tie, semiformal, business casual, casual
• Grooming tools: sharp razor, shaving cream, sewing kit, iron

5. Cultivate Financial Acumen: Investing and Negotiating

Every guy should have some money in the stock market and, at the very least, in a 401(k) program.

Understand investments. Learn to read stock indexes, understanding key terms like 52-week high/low, dividend yield, and price-to-earnings ratio. Diversify your portfolio and consider long-term investments like 401(k) plans.

Negotiation skills. Whether asking for a raise or haggling over a purchase, master the art of negotiation. Do your homework, understand both parties' goals, start with an extreme proposal, and be willing to walk away. These skills can significantly impact your financial well-being.

• Stock terms: 52-week high/low, dividend yield, P/E ratio, volume
• Negotiation steps: research, set goals, propose, listen, compromise, close
• Investment options: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, 401(k), IRA

6. Maintain Physical Fitness and Personal Grooming

You should aim to perform at least 20 push-ups in one minute.

Basic exercises. Master bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and abdominal crunches. Aim for proper form and gradually increase repetitions. These exercises provide a foundation for overall fitness and can be done anywhere.

Grooming habits. Develop a consistent grooming routine, including proper shaving techniques and basic hairstyling. Learn to give a great massage, which can relieve stress and foster intimacy in relationships.

• Exercise goals: 20 push-ups/minute, 15 pull-ups/minute, 40 crunches/minute
• Shaving steps: wash face, apply cream, use sharp razor, rinse with cold water
• Massage basics: set mood, use quality oil, focus on problem areas

7. Build and Nurture Relationships: From First Impressions to Long-Term Commitments

You only get one chance to make a first impression.

Dating etiquette. Learn to approach and engage potential partners confidently. Master the art of conversation, focusing on the other person's interests. Understand appropriate behavior for various stages of a relationship, from first dates to long-term commitments.

Long-term relationships. Develop skills that contribute to lasting partnerships, such as effective communication, thoughtful gestures, and shared activities. Learn to navigate important milestones like meeting the parents or proposing marriage.

• Conversation starters: ask about interests, job, family, or recent experiences
• Date ideas: cooking together, outdoor activities, cultural events
• Relationship milestones: meeting family, moving in together, proposing

Last updated: July 31, 2024