So after years of being forced to hand over “man points” for some questionable comments and actions I’ve come to learn how to quickly build back up a healthy pot of metaphorical testosterone laced trump cards…

In no specific order (the more effort required/exerted the better your haul) the following activities will get you back to “I am man – hear me roar”:

    Build something out of wood. It doesn’t have to be big or particularly well finished but few things in life leave you feeling like chest pumping than sawing, hammering, screwing and generally banging about shed-style.
    Destroy something. Preferably not something important or necessary (no load bearing walls or expensive electricals!) this must only be done while in a good mood, anger is not welcome here, dismantling a rotten old shed or removing a bush that’s been taking over your garden is very satisfying and often forces a sweat to break.
    Fix something. Replace some guttering, or round up your childrens broken toys, armed with superglue. It doesn’t really matter what it is, find it broken (or in case of desperate need to top up points see “destroy something”) and use your imagination. You’ll be chuffed with the outcome and others around you will be grateful.
    Chop wood /make a bonfire. Fire has been up there with dogs in terms of mans best friend. On a chilly evening Bask in the glow of a flame that was started by your own hand and the cosmos will smile on you (though neighbours might curse you)
    Catch a fish. Not a personal past time but I’ve often been told that the solitude of fishing is close to meditation and if a fish takes bait the heart can pump like that of a marathon runner. Feed your ancestral hunter gatherer natures and be rewarded with man-point aplenty.
    Teach your child (or a close friends) something new that will help them along their way, it could be something as simple as how to balance a pen on the back of their hand to how to work out sums on paper sans calculator, taking time to share your knowledge with the next generation will pay dividends.

Now fear no more about wearing your heart on your sleeve or showing your feminine side, this non-exhaustive list will help you restore the balance!