Things all Guys Should Know

There are certain skills that all guys should know for various reasons. These are skills that, should technology or the normal way of doing things fail at some point in time, you can rely on these skills. I don't have all of them, but I'm working on it slowly. Here's a brief list--oddly, in alphabetical order:


Building. Legos, picnic table, whatever needs to be built around the house, with or without instructions. And if need be, step in and help a professional build a house.

Cooking. More than Mac & Cheese or a microwave burrito. Actually make a meal from scratch. This is useful for two functions: feeding yourself and impressing girls.

Fishing. My grandpa used to take me fishing as a kid quite a bit. I have no memory of ever catching anything. Fishing is one of the few hobbies you can talk about in public and have everyone listen. Because fishermen tell the best stories.

History. Know when wars happened. Know who was president (or king) during those wars. Know who made significant contributions to science and technology. This isn't just about not embarrassing yourself on Jeopardy!, it's about being smarter than the normal goofball on the street.

Listening. Seriously. Listen to others' ideas. And shut up when you do it. Handy for impressing girls.

Math. Balance your own stinking checkbook.

Music. Play at least one instrument that isn't the drums. And learn how to play it quietly as well as forcefully.

Vocabulary. Know the difference between affect and effect. Know several different words for "said." Be able to figure out a word's meanings based on its parts.

Writing. Not just a journal, a blog, or various text messages in the newest forms of abbreviations. This is how future employers will first encounter you. This is how you will explain yourself in a police report. There's a lot at stake in putting words on paper. Or on a screen. You don't want stupid fifth-grade errors in spelling, punctuation, and grammar making you look like a rube. On the other hand, know when to break the rules.


What else would you add?
Growing/shooting/cleaning your own food?
Sports?
Business?