Ploomy Girl #1 Skyvillain: 10 Things Men Need to Know

Editor’s Note: I’ve received so many emails from you out there asking to see women on the site. I’ve listened.

Here is the first installment of a series called Ploomy Girl. It’s simple too, just real women who want to tell you something.

Ploomy Girl #1 Skyvillain: 10 Things Men Need to Know

by Lydia W (aka Skyvillain)

I never claimed to be an expert on anything, let alone something as broad and varied as What Men Need to Know. When it comes down to it, I have only a fuzzy idea of what it is girls need to know—I’m still learning. But when Ploomy invited me to share advice and wisdom from my perspective, I had no shortage of ideas that might help clear some of the fog stagnating between the sexes. I’ve been lucky enough in love and have, for the most part, dated interesting, intelligent and respectful guys. But that doesn’t mean we don’t all make mistakes, and if I could go back in time here’s a list of considerations I might sneak under the pillow of love interests:

1. Be Passionate

What makes people interesting and who they are are their hobbies and creative pursuits. Put your heart and soul into what you love and people will be drawn to you. Your interest could be anything; playing the guitar, going rock climbing, collecting obscure 70’s movies, or conducting dangerous science experiments- in fact, the more the merrier! Surround yourself with what interests you, inspires you, and makes you feel good. Not only can people pick up on your energy and enthusiasm, but you’ll never be short of anything to talk about. Find what it is you love and become an expert. Don’t do anything half-assed though, there’s nothing more frustrating than talent lost to laziness.

2. Your Life is Your Responsibility

Save me the pity stories. Obviously not everyone is dealt the same hand of good fortune, but our choices and attitude in life ultimately will determine the outcome, not your messed up parents or bullies in high school. Your choices, big and small, will lead you into the career of your dreams or into working an entry level retail job and living with your parents at 30. It’s up to you. Take an active role in your choices and think about the future without living in the future. Take care of yourself, pay your bills on time, do your job or school work well, treat others with respect and consideration, make connections with everyone (you never know when a casual new friend will help get you a job), and live your life according to some basic morals or principals.

3. Take Care of Your Body and Appearance

I’m not going to lie and say looks aren’t important (Although if you are an interesting and passionate person, you can get away with not being a total hottie). The first impression is everything, and in the long run keeping yourself together will help keep a relationship together. I’m not advocating every guy wear pressed slacks and button up shirts, far from it—but whatever you do wear put some thought into the personality you are projecting. Maybe you are a web developer and wear nice denim and graphic t-shirts. Maybe you are in a band and wear thrifted cut off shorts and head bands. Maybe you are really into sports so you wear something comfortable that will allow you to move around at any time. What you wear does say a lot about you and will attract certain types of people. And perhaps more importantly, think about what you put into your body. Most people I know, including myself, don’t eat meat because of the environmental and health implications. Getting exercise is also crucial. Personally I hate the gym, so I get my workouts by commuting to work on bike. Taking care of yourself is a lot of work but you will be rewarded by being a happier person, attracting other happy and healthy people, and living a longer and better life.