Times to Let Him Take Charge.(male-female relations)(Brief Article)

Your man's machismo moves may actually have a sweet motivation.

* We spit. We scratch ourselves. We watch WWF. Admittedly, some of our most-cherished masculine habits do nothing but prove which is the more refined gender (umm, that would be yours). However, despite our range of more repulsive behaviors, we also exhibit a few that serve a higher purpose-proving that there's a reason for our presence in your otherwise fulfilled lives. So before you try to extinguish your guy's manly ways, consider that some of them maybe his way of showing that he cares.

paying on the first date

The reason we try to snatch the dinner check isn't because we want you to feel compelled to put out later-it's to show you that we have a basic grasp of manners. "I may sometimes talk with my mouth full, but I'm not a complete Neanderthal," says Andy*, 23. "Picking up the check shows her that when it matters, I'm considerate." Common sense also comes into play: "Most likely, I'm the one who asked for the date and picked the place," 29-year-old Reggie theorizes, "so it's only fair to pay her way." Offer to split the bill if you like, but if we still insist, just say thanks. Don't worry, you'll have plenty of chances to chip in down the road.

lifting heavy objects

The most basic way we compare ourselves to other guys is by how much we can hoist. We're also desperate to show you that we have the competition beat. So even if your biceps rival Angela Bassett's, please allow us to flex our muscles. You see, hauling your overstuffed weekend bag is our way of carrying our weight in the relationship. It's how we repay you for remembering to call Moviefone-or our mother's birthday.

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