Chivalry is not dead! So when you open a door, sign for a meal, or pull out
a chair for a lady friend, what’s the first thing that she is going to notice
about you? Your hands. It’s something men can get really rough with, and yet
they often overlook taking care of this body part that they use and abuse so
often. It’s not “girly” to take care of your hands; for men, especially those
with physical jobs, it just makes good sense.
Now don’t get me wrong—I’m not trying to make you a princess or anything—but
when’s the last time you took a look at those body parts? And even if you’re
not paying attention to them, you need to know that your significant other is!
So what can you do to get healthy-looking hands?
Nails
Well, I shouldn’t even have to mention this, but dirt under the nails is a
real turn-off. It doesn’t matter if you’ve just been out fixing the car,
revving up the bike, or banging nails—no one likes to look at dirt, especially
there. You eat with those hands. You shake hands with those hands. You cuddle
with those hands. Cleanliness is not an option.
A typical set of nail clippers has a pull-out nail file with a little hook
on the end. Use it to dig out the dirt, and while you’re at it, file away any
rough or jagged edges. Picture it: You put your arm around your favorite lady,
and just then, in the heat of the moment, you get snagged up in her
ultra-expensive top because of one of your fingernails? It’s not a place you
want to be.
Grease and dirt
If you’re working out or working hard, there’s a good chance you may get
some dirt or grime ground into your skin. Grease from a car or bike can be a
pain to get rid of, and rather than scrub your skin off, there’s an easier
solution. It’s called mechanic’s grit. This is a bucket full of a product that
feels like coarse sand when you rub it on your hands. It takes off the dirt and
grease quickly and cleanly, but it is a bit rough on your hands.
Skin
A moisturizer is not high on a guy’s list of what to stock his bathroom
with.
But if your job involves working with your hands, you owe it to yourself and
your lover to make them as smooth as possible. You don’t have to pick up
anything with a flowery scent either. Unscented lotions will do the job, and
stores like Body Shop now have a men’s section too. Check it out while you’re
finding something for her…
And to finish that off nicely? Let's talk about...
Jewelry
The Mr. T. look just doesn't cut it anymore. Don't junk it up with rings on
every finger. But try to wear something—even if it’s just when you’re with Her.
Make it a single piece of jewelry on the finger, and make it something a little
out of the ordinary—a tasteful eye-catcher that can be a conversation-starter.
Too much says that you’re into yourself more than you’re into her, so don’t
compete with the gold that she’s got on! Take time and find just the right
look—something you can be comfortable with for a long time. Then invest a few
dollars in a good piece of jewelry, instead of buying cheap junk.
A strong grip
And of course, here's something she'll always look for in you--strength! For
a strong grip, try the following exercise: Tie one end of a rope to a weight of
some kind and the other end to a broom handle (a baseball bat, hockey stick, or
pool cue will do if you don't own a broom). Then, with your arms straight out
in front of you, wind up the weight so it comes off the floor up to the stick.
Then reverse the action and lower it to the ground again slowly.
Don’t speed up when you lower it to the floor. Slow down if anything—it’s
during this downward movement that your muscles can really be worked. This is
usually a forearm exercise, but it will give you a strong healthy grip, too. If
you do as directed, your hands will be in great shape.
And the payoff for all your hard work? That comes later, when she's
snuggling up close, held tightly in those manly hands...And I know I don’t have
to explain that part to you…