Some say that girls want to marry a version of their dad. In my case I find that to be true. All the qualities I admire in my dad I have found in my husband Mike. Now that I am raising two sons, Jack and Ben, I feel the need to put these traits into words. I want my boys to know how to “Be that Guy.” 1. Don’t cheat at cards
This seems like a simple rule but it goes far beyond a card table game. If you have ever played a game with a cheater you know that it is a poor reflection of their character. They might say, it’s only a game but let me tell you the one thing I know for sure is that you only came into this world with one thing and that is your word. Don’t take this lightly. Never cheat, ever. Be that guy, the one that people know his word is gold. 2. Take honor in your work
Whatever job you have, do your absolute best. Whether it’s building a house or running a company let people say, “Wow, we got our money’s worth on this guy!” Be a leader on the job. Don’t complain. Be that guy! The one that everyone will want to work by your side because they know you are going to get the job done and they will probably have fun in the process. 3. Leave it better than you found it
If you borrow something, return it in great shape. If you see the trash needs to be taken out, do it. If the room is a little messy, tidy it up. Be that guy, the one that people want to live with…the guy who respects other people’s property and takes good care of their things. 4. Enjoy your life!
Be that guy who not only works hard but has fun. Surround yourself with good friends you can trust. Someday you might be a husband and maybe a father. Be the guy who loves his family and understand that they are his greatest asset.
I have learned these four lessons from my dad and my husband along with many more. I would be the happiest mom in the world if my sons took these lessons to heart.
It’s not true that nice guys
finish last. Nice guys are
winners before the game
even starts.
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Taste of Home columnist Sandy (Anderson) Holthaus lives on a farm in South Haven, MN with her husband, Michael, and their children Zoe, Jack and Ben. Her heart remains on the North Shore where she grew up with her parents, Art and LaVonne Anderson of Schroeder. She enjoys writing about her childhood and mixes memories with delicious helpings of home-style recipes.
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