What Is A "Guy's Guy," And Why Does it Matter Now?

Men have never been freer to be who they want, but it’s never been less clear who they are.

By Robert Manni — Written on Aug 10, 2015

Over the past 30 years, the paths of women and men have changed drastically. While women have been on straight trajectory of achievement, accomplishment and long overdue recognition, men find themselves in a tough spot. This comes at a time when men have never been freer to be who they want, but where it’s never been less clear who they are.

My novel, The Guys’ Guy’s Guide to Love, tackles this issue through the power of story that gives women a peek behind the curtains into the world of modern men. It’s a story about men, written for women. The male characters are flawed, yet likable, and hopefully I provided some insights into the lives of today’s men with a nod to how they hunt, feed and of course, mate.

The time is now to generate awareness for what today’s men can be and address the growing need to bridge the gap between the sexes. And isn’t it ironic that with all of the technology that connects us, communication between the sexes has never been in such a dire state? We’re heading in different directions. Enter the Guy’s Guys.

So What Is A Guy’s Guy?

Simply stated, a Guy’s Guy is a contemporary Man’s Man, with a nod to a return to the casual confidence and seductive integrity of the classic male, but updated to reflect the belief that everybody wins when men and women can be at their best. In other words, a Guy’s Guy welcomes the rise of women while competing with them for love, sex, power and money in a time where everyone’s playing for keeps.

Guy’s Guys exude unassuming strength, timeless style, and emotional intelligence while enjoying healthy relationships and joyful, open living. Drop back 25 years or so ago, and the new man back then had just transcended the attitude that relegated women to the kitchen and the bedroom.

Of course, today’s Guy’s Guy is way, way beyond that. He sees women as equal across the board and treats them respectfully without resorting to the predictable patronization just to get them into the sack.

And as far as business goes, it’s game on and no glass ceilings. You might be rolling your eyes, but it can be done, and Guy’s Guys can help make it happen.

Is There A Guy’s Guy Code?

This is not about Guy’s Guy rule books, lists or tricks and pick up lines that will get them laid. Today’s Guy’s Guys are out there, finding their way in a tough environment while maintaining their values. It can be a difficult line to walk when you’re a young man caught in a culture that places them somewhere between the mixed messages of MMA and manscaping.

A lot of young dudes are getting conflicting signals about who they are because there are no realistic role models for young men. It’s all about preening power studs, metrosexuals, geeks or superheroes. What can men really learn from them? Women can help by paying attention and helping men shape their values and perspectives.

So What’s Next?

What Is A "Guy's Guy," And Why Does It Matter Now?

Men have never been freer to be who they want, but it’s never been less clear who they are.