The P.O.S.H. Life (Pursuit of Strength & Health)

The life of a man of color is never easy. We have to worry about paying bills, coping with the 21st century dating scene, trying to prove that all brothers are not bad (usually with a singular lack of success); and so on and so forth. These days you can outsource any job-but some things you need to know how to do yourself.

A man can be an expert in nothing, but he must be practiced in many things. Skills. You don't have to master them all at once. You simply have to collect and develop a certain number of skills as the years tick by. People count on you to come through. That's why you need these basics, to start.

10- Tie a tie
Learn for those important business meetings or formal affairs. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to do it while getting ready, so as not to rush.

9- Undo a bra
Crickets.

8- Make restaurant reservations
It may seem hard to make reservations at one of the hottest spots in town, but with perseverance and research, you can do it. Find out what the reservation policy of the restaurant is; try a slower night or earlier hour. Then, once you're in, you can try to become friendly with the manager or host, which can work to your advantage next time around. Also, use your power as a client. If the host is not being cooperative, try speaking to the manager.

7- Smoke a cigar
Smoking a cigar is an art form, so learn the lingo, cut the head, light the cigar, remove the band, and smoke away. Just don't inhale and remember that puff, puff, pass is not allowed.

6- Manage stress
Put things into perspective and take things one day at a time. Improve your time-management skills and get into the habit of taking breathers (a walk, counting to 10). It's not that deep to catch a felony.

5- Do the laundry
Doing the laundry is something you have to resort to, unless you're prepared to pay hefty dry cleaning bills. Gather up your clothes, separate the whites from the darks, and do separate loads. Make sure to read labels and check that no special care is required. Follow your washing machine instructions and place your clothes in the dryer after washing. For more delicate pieces that may shrink, hang or lay flat to dry.

4- Purchase flowers
So, you think it's all about the roses, eh?...wrong! Giving roses is extinct like Ray J's musical career. Find out the meaning of each flower by brushing up on your flower etiquette.

3- Change a tire
We don't always have the luxury of having others stop to help us if we're stuck with a flat, and what if a sexy woman flags us down off the road to change her flat? In a nutshell, put the parking brake and hazard lights on; get out your lug nut wrench and car jack; remove the hubcap; loosen the lug nuts; jack up the car; remove the lug nuts followed by the flat tire; put the new tire onto the wheel studs; put the lug nuts back, and make sure they're screwed on tight. If you mess this up...just walk...away, because "She" will talk about you.

2- Choose the right wine
Impress her with your wine savviness and choose the right bottle for your dinner date. Generally, choose red for pasta and seafood, and white for fish. It also depends on whether you're having a light or heavy meal, and how much you want to spend.

1- Be a gentleman
Although some may think chivalry is dead, you can try to keep it alive by always being the perfect gentlemen.