Thursday, May 7, 2009

the man list - part one


I'm making a list.


If you've been reading this blog for any length of time this won't surprise you one bit. I'm a lister from way back, and like the good OCD/organizer/compulsive person that I am, my lists get me through the day. I like it that way. Never underestimate a good list - that's my motto.


This list is a little different. It's going to be ongoing and possibly kind of fluid. Some of the things on the list will be carved in stone and some will run the risk of changing depending on my mood. It's going to be very interesting (or a laugh your ass off kind of experience) to see how this plays out in the real world. That's okay. I've got plenty of time.


I'm designing the perfect guy. Or at least close enough to make me happy. For that time down the road when I actually feel like dealing with one of them again in that kind of way. It's a list of what I want, what I need, and what I absolutely won't put up with. Call it a Wish List, if you will.


And the first item on the list is...I want a guy who is practical. A guy who can fix things. A guy whose first response is "No problem" vs. "Oh, it can't be done". A guy who sees something broken and actually deals with it instead of walking past it repeatedly and hoping it goes away. I want a Can Do type instead of a No Can Do type. This is a carved in stone requirement. Is this asking too much?


No? I didn't think so either.


What's on your list?

25 comments:

LFG said...

Man objectifier.

auntiegwen said...

I had a fantasy new man list on my blog too. The one I got wasn't even half way like I wanted on the list, mind you he didn't last either, I'll have to dig it back out again !

ped crossing said...

There are two lists. The things I want that I got, the good list. And the things I want that I didn't get, the bad list. It is too late at night to think about either list. I'll get back to you. All that pops into my head at the moment is the stuff on the bad list.

sharon said...

I'd like a Can Do Man too. My DH of 35 years would probably be quite keen too lol!

Maggie May said...

A guy who makes me feel safe and secure, who I can depend on.

I make lists too. trouble is....... I lose the lists or leave them at home when I need them in a shop, for example.

Aoj and The Hounds said...

My problem is that what goes on the list is different depending on what mood I'm in.

Somedays I want someone who will just tell me to sit back and he will take charge of everything and I'm not to worry about a thing. Other days I want someone who backs off and leaves me alone.

So I suppose that top of my list is someone who wakes up in the morning, judges what mood I'm in, and acts accordingly.

And I guess I would have to do the same in return.

LFG said...

I'm right here ladies. Why isn't there a path beaten to my door ? I don't get it.

lebanesa said...

love and respect and plenty of affection.

But I'm only interested in being with anyone for the relationship.

Thumbelina said...

I think that positive "can do" attitude in any department. That would do me. :)

Potty Mummy said...

Good time-keeping. That would be a refreshing change...

And Maggie May - there is a shop where you need this type of list? Can I have the address?

Iota said...

A good hug-giver.

My own husband spent the first few months of our marriage trying to talk out with me any of the problems that I brought home from work. Then he worked out that all I really needed when I walked through the door was a big hug, not an analytical conversation. I think he was rather proud of his arrival at this knowledge.

Then a few months later, I almost blew it all, by a little outburst when I said "the trouble is, you think you can just make me feel better with a hug - well, it's just not that simple you know".

Pity the men. They don't stand much of a chance.

Potty Mummy said...

BTW, RC, have just given you an award. I think you take the picture that goes with it and pin it up on the inside of your locker at work to wave anyone who gives you shxt...

My Aimless Infatuation said...

Honesty,for me that is number one. I have been told that I am brutally honest,which at times,I am.But,I prefer that over a bunch of twisted truths.How can two people become close when the relationship is built on lies? I must admit,the men in my past were "Bad Boys"(never again)and they could all "fix it".So,tread lightly,my love keep that list going.......looks like I have started one of my own.

the rotten correspondent said...

LFG - ladies, I'd like you to meet Larry. Larry and I have been super close friends since college and no one is better at giving me shit than he is. I repeat - NO ONE.

And now that I see he's finally commenting, this could get kind of fun...

auntie gwen - so I'm taking it that you got rid of the one who was making you crazy? Good for you. I have to go look at your fantasy list. I'm sorry. I really wasn't trying to copy!

ped crossing - aren't there always two lists? That's the tricky part. Get back to us with the good stuff.

sharon - I know what you mean. I don't need a husband, really. I need a wife.

Maggie May - did you read Potty Mummy's comment? I'd like that address, too.

Angela - yeah, there is that. I'm a little on the changeable side myself, which makes it tricky. But I like the idea of the mind-reading model. They probably charge a lot more for that one.

Frances - yes, yes and yes again. All three of those please.

Thumbelina - I like a Can Do attitude. It's optimistic and proactive. I'm sick to death of "Oh, that's just not doable" just because it would take a little effort.Life doesn't work that way.

Potty Mummy - YES!! A mate who is on time? What in the world would THAT be like?

And you crack me up about the Man Store. On my way over to check out the award. Thanks!

Iota - they really don't stand a chance, do they? But you are right about the hugs. Sometimes that's all it takes. But other times...

Dinah - Hey! You get to meet Dinah and Larry in one post. This is my aunt Dinah, who is also commenting now. She likes to give me shit too. She also likes to watch when Larry gives me shit. Poor me - you all know that I would NEVER sling shit in return...right??

Dinah, my alarm bells will keep ringing. I know what you mean about fix-it guys who may have other issues. I may be at the top of the gun shy list at the moment.

Rudee said...

The perfect man (or woman) exists? Don't overlook the ones who aren't Mr. Fixits, but have plenty of other fine attributes. You can always hire someone else to do the fixing. My best friend has a Mr. Fixit. He can, and eventually does fix everything-once he gets off the barstool.

Katy said...

List are always so fun! I think I would expand the "fix-it" decription to include "make-it" as well. My sister's father-in law is extremely handy, can fix almost anything and has even built a cabin on their proberty in the country where they go for weekend get aways.

Not only can he fix stuff, and make you a house, he also has the good sense to know when a project is out of his league and he has no problems calling someone to fix it for him.

Yeah.. I would really like one of those, but for now I am content with living in an apartment that has good maintenance people. :)

My Aimless Infatuation said...

Oh Kiddo,you make my day. OOOHHHH LARRRRRRRRYYYYYY!!!

lebanesa said...

BTW is that picture of you after too much running?

Mimi said...

Sorry to take up so much room, but this list emailed to me recently was irresistible!
Keep us posted please! mimi

What I Want In A Man!
> Original List:
> 1. Handsome
> 2. Charming
> 3. Financially successful
> 4. A caring listener
> 5. Witty
> 6. In good shape
> 7. Dresses with style
> 8. Appreciates finer things
> 9. Full of thoughtful surprises
> 10. An imaginative, romantic lover

> What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 32)
> 1. Nice looking
> 2. Opens car doors, holds chairs
> 3. Has enough money for a nice dinner
> 4. Listens more than talks
> 5. Laughs at my jokes
> 6. Carries bags of groceries with ease
> 7. Owns at least one tie
> 8. Appreciates a good home-cooked meal
> 9. Remembers birthdays and anniversaries
> 10. Seeks romance at least once a week

> What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 42)
> 1. Not too ugly
> 2. Doesn't drive off until I'm in the car
> 3. Works steady - splurges on dinner out occasionally
> 4. Nods head when I'm talking
> 5. Usually remembers punch lines of jokes
> 6. Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture
> 7. Wears a shirt that covers his stomach
> 8. Knows not to buy champagne with screw-top lids
> 9. Remembers to put the toilet seat down
> 10. Shaves most weekends
>
> What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 52)
> 1. Keeps hair in nose and ears trimmed
> 2. Doesn't belch or scratch in public
> 3. Doesn't borrow money too often
> 4. Doesn't nod off to sleep when I'm venting
> 5. Doesn't re-tell the same joke too many times
> 6. Is in good enough shape to get off the couch on weekends
> 7. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear
> 8. Appreciates a good TV dinner
> 9. Remembers your name on occasion
> 10. Shaves some weekends

> What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 62)
> 1. Doesn't scare small children
> 2. Remembers where bathroom is
> 3. Doesn't require much money for upkeep
> 4. Only snores lightly when asleep
> 5. Remembers why he's laughing
> 6. Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself
> 7. Usually wears some clothes
> 8.. Likes soft foods
> 9. Remembers where he left his teeth
> 10. Remembers that it's the weekend

> What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 72)
> 1.Breathing.
> 2. Doesn't miss the toilet.
>

Anonymous said...

Love this list idea, great idea!

My number one thing would be a man who is not a know it all. Who thinks he is always right, not matter what. Thinks your opinion is always the wrong one. Guess it comes down to respect on many levels.

XXXX

Devon said...

sometimes the things on our lists can make us crazy.

Topping my list is a confident can-do kind of guy.

Can-do confident guys rarely see the need for others, that would be the down side!

Susan said...

I love Mimi's lists!

sistawhodownunder said...

wonderful to see you back..I hit the button for your blog by accident on my favourites and found you back again ..wonderful..keep up the great work

TheBlonde said...

Read your ideal man profile and went - yes - me too! Where did all the practical, hands on men go? There were loads around when I was growing up - are they now extinct?

Am currently dating my gardener. Lets see how that goes....!

Tiggerlane said...

I like the lists Mimi posted.

I would have to say, first and foremost, a man who TRULY LOVES ME THE WAY I AM...and doesn't try to "change" me, and doesn't become intimidated by my strengths...THAT would be tops.