Confessions of a Social Climber

As a girl, there are exactly five important men in your life: your dad, your little brother, your big brother, your best guy bud and your guy. (You may have any combination of the five, and all of them hold a very special place in your special-person-meter.)

All your life, they’ve been there — your first ballet recital, (l’il bro was there to tease, but you knew there was support) your first date, (either as the approver or chaperone) your first break-up, your first drink, the prom, and your first day at work — name it, either one or all of them have been there to lend a hand, or wave their imaginary pompoms to cheer you on. Now that you’re earning on your own, isn’t it about time to do something nice for ‘em?

The thing about men is … no matter how mature/older they are, deep down, they’ll always be little boys. No matter how elaborate, or how simple a gift you give, you will please ‘em.

For Li’l Bro:

An easy bet would be a toy. Get him a videogame! Or — if you’re not too sure what sort of game he’s into, get him one of those neat little Halo 3 Action Figures. (Every boy loves their Halo, I do admit a little understanding on that one :p )

For Big bro:

Get him a mean pair of sneaks! A cool pair of kicks that would go with anything is bound to be “the gift you will still see him wear a couple of years from now.”

You could also get him a blazer! The trend’s still going strong, and besides, it’ll teach him the importance of layering. A nice, neutral black one with some style and detail will spice up his shirt + jeans combo. (Remember, as far as size is concerned, as long as the sleeve cuts off just as it hits his collar bone means you are gold. Ninja-style measuring-his-arm-length would be in order.)

For Your Guy Bud:

Yes, platonic relationships DO exist, as far as the philosopher’s concerned. In every girl’s life, there will come a time when something will happen that she cannot tell her best gal pals — that’s what the boy bud’s for! Hanging out with one is one of the most fun and educational things you could do — think, different gender perspective.

If you’re bound to hang out with him — treat him to a day at the salon! (Or better yet, hunt down for a boy-salon that wouldn’t intimidate him.) Get him to trade his cheap hairgel for some higher quality hair wax.

If you know his perfume, it’s also a nice treat to give him that — or — get him one that you think will suit him. (And help him attract the ladies!)

For Your Guy:

He knows what you’re thinking! Give him a treat by making him surprise breakfast! (Some of the best things in life are still free, ya know.) Get him a nice, brightly-colored shirt that’ll boost his confidence. (And help him trudge through job interviews.)

To appeal to his inner child, (and surprise him too) get him one of those RC helicopters. There’s just something about men … and complicated systems they just have to master.

For Your Dad:

He will be the one man in your life that every other men will have to compare to, so his gift has to be the best one. Though, being a daughter, I’ve found that, however simple, or extravagant a gift is, Dad’s bound to enjoy it. It could be as simple as a nice shirt he could wear on casual Fridays, or as elaborate as you saving up for a trip for him (and mom! Of course!) to a spa.

However you look at it, life seems impossible without these men around. So here’s to being taken care of, and showing appreciation in return.

(note: This post was written to appease to all the guys giving me crap about the last post, and to show that I DO love the men in my life — this isn’t a cop-out! :p )