I suppose it's a good thing that men have come up with ways to handle those sticky situations of just how to clink beer bottles in a rousing toast - tops or bottoms? (Bottoms, tops is too much like kissing since spit could potentially be swapped.)  Or if, when picking up a nacho a second chip is glued to it with cheese is it one nacho or two nachos? (One.) But are men today such Neanderthals that they really need Reynolds et al to tell us it's never cool to rip your shirt off your body in a hulk-like display of masculinity (and might I add that this is especially true when one lacks hulk-like musculature). I've actually seen this in action. Not impressed.

Women have been raised for generations with such laws drilled into us. It's called etiquette. Emily Post, Judith Martin (Miss Manners), "The Rules" have all instructed womankind in our making the world a more genteel place. A generation or two ago, young ladies were sent to "finishing school", where they were taught the finer details of social interaction in nearly every possible situation from how to properly set a table (There's a reason we get all that china and silver as wedding gifts.) and cross her legs. (At the ankles, never at the knee, only whores do that!)  Seriously...hasn't anyone ever watched a Martha Stewart show?  I guess it's a good thing that teaching children manners has been primarily a maternal job.

So when men venture off their recliners, scratch their bellies on the way to get another beer, and stumble across a giant glass box with a big table in the middle, we're all supposed to marvel at the genius of coming to consensus on "Man Laws".  Well good for you, you've discovered the art of having manners.  How brilliant, gentlemen!  Why, someone should've thought such a thing eons ago.  Wow!  We're so proud of you!  (smiles and nods encouragingly)

By the way, the first and foremost "Girl-Gospel" is to let a man think he thought of something all by himself.

booksEmily Post's The Guide to Good Manners for Kids Cindy Post Senning, Peggy Post, Steve Bjorkman Release Date: 26 October, 2004