15 Unwritten 'Man Rules' (And Why They Matter)
Weekly Bro Chat #99
What’s in the newsletter?
I. 15 Unwritten Rules Of Men, And Why They Matter
II. History’s Manliest Tales: Admiral James Stockdale
III. Strong Man: Ricky McMahan
IV. Featured Tweet + Poll: Murray Hill Guy on Lib Dating Hypocrisy
V. AI News: Microsoft’s Medical AI 4x More Accurate Than Human Doctors!
“A man’s got to have a code, a creed to live by, no matter his job.” — John Wayne
I was 23 the first time I saw a man lose respect without saying a word.
It was at an intimate business dinner in Manhattan. One of the regional managers - sharply dressed, high energy, big handshake guy sat at the table with me as we waited for the client to arrive. When that happened, the client walked over to the table and extended his hand.
And this manager?
He sat down in his seat, reached across the table, and then awkwardly gave the weakest handshake I’ve ever seen.
The client’s face dropped a little. He smiled, but you could see it. Something shifted.
That deal never closed and the client didn’t give a reason. But I knew what I saw. And I learned something that day:
Some rules aren’t written down, but they separate men from boys, leaders from followers, and the respected from the ignored.
Don’t confuse these for merely “guidelines.” Regard them as the unwritten code of men who move through life with confidence, integrity, and strength.
Follow them, and people will respect you without knowing why.
Break them, and you’ll wonder why doors never open for you.
Here is that list:
Never shake hands while sitting.
Why? Respect.
Standing up is a simple but powerful way to show that you acknowledge the other person’s presence. It signals confidence and that you’re engaged in the moment. A seated handshake is weak, passive, and dismissive. Always stand, look the person in the eye, and shake firmly.
According to Harvard Business Review, people form first impressions within 7 seconds, and non-verbal cues like posture and eye contact play a major role.
Never talk bad about the food when you are the guest.
Why? Gratitude.
Someone took the time to invite you into their home or out to dinner. Even if the food isn’t great, keep your mouth shut. Complaining makes you look ungrateful and entitled. If you must, eat what you can, smile, and move on.
Don’t eat the last piece of something you didn’t buy.
Why? Courtesy.
It can be the last slice of pizza, the final wing, or the last chip in the bag. If you didn’t pay for it, don’t assume it’s yours. It’s a small way to show respect for others. If no one else wants it, fine. But always ask first.
Protect who is behind you and respect who is beside you.
Why? Brotherhood.
Whether in a bar, in life, or in battle, a man watches out for those behind him. This included his friends, his family, his team. And he treats those beside him as equals. The focus here isn’t just about physical protection. At it’s core, the spirit of the rule is about having integrity and loyalty.
Never make the first offer in a negotiation.
Why? Leverage.
The first number thrown out sets the baseline. If you speak first, you might undercut yourself. Instead, let the other person show their hand. Then, you can counter from a position of strength.
Don’t take credit for work you didn’t do.
Why? Honor.
If you didn’t earn it, don’t claim it. Real men let their work speak for itself, and they acknowledge those who contributed. Taking false credit is a surefire way to destroy your reputation.
Dress well, no matter what the occasion.
Why? Respect.
For yourself and others. You don’t need to wear a suit to a BBQ, but looking put-together shows self-respect and attention to detail. People treat you based on how you present yourself. Dress accordingly.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that dressing well increases others' perceptions of leadership ability by up to 40%.
Speak honestly: say what you think and mean what you say.
Why? Integrity.
People will respect you more if they know they can trust your words. Now, this isn’t an open invitation to be rude, but rather it means being direct, clear, and truthful. No one likes a man who talks in circles or sugarcoats the truth.
Ask more than you answer.
Why? Wisdom.
The smartest man in the room isn’t the one talking the most. Instead, it’s the one listening. Asking questions shows curiosity, intelligence, and humility. People love talking about themselves, and you learn more by listening than by speaking.
A Stanford study concluded that asking more questions in conversations leads to deeper social connection and influence.
Leave the profane language for the less educated.
Why? Discipline.
Swearing has its place. If you’re in the gym, in a moment of frustration, or on the playing field, it’s almost expected. In day-to-day interactions, relying on swearing shows a lack of vocabulary and self-control. A man who can express himself without profanity commands more respect.
Avoid placing your phone on the table when eating with someone.
Why? Presence.
It tells the person across from you, “I’m here, but something more important might come up.” Give people your full attention. If you need to check your phone, excuse yourself.
Listen, smile, and most of all, make eye contact.
Why? Confidence.
Eye contact shows you’re engaged and self-assured. A genuine smile disarms people and makes you approachable. And listening - truly listening - sets you apart in a world where most people are just waiting for their turn to talk.
Pew Research reports that 85% of Americans believe good manners are essential to a well-functioning society.
If you’re not invited, don’t ask to go.
Why? Dignity.
If you weren’t invited, there’s a reason. Asking to join puts the host in an awkward spot and makes you look desperate. If you’re meant to be there, you’ll be invited. If not, move on.
Never be ashamed of where you come from.
Why? Identity.
Whether you grew up rich or poor, in the city or the country, your background shaped you. Own it. No one respects a man who tries to pretend he’s something he’s not. True strength comes from embracing who you are.
Don’t beg for a relationship, nor attention.
Why? Self-respect.
If she wants to be with you, she will. If she doesn’t, no amount of begging will change that. A man who begs for love looks weak, desperate, and unworthy of respect. Hold your head high, walk away, and let her see what she’s missing.
Final Thoughts
These rules aren’t complicated, but they absolutely matter because they shape how people see you and, more importantly, how you see yourself.
Live by them, and you’ll move through life with confidence, purpose, and respect. Ignore them, and you’ll always wonder why men who do follow them seem to get ahead while you’re stuck in place.
Your choice, brother.
- Your Big Bro
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II. History’s Manliest Tales: Admiral James Stockdale
Admiral James Stockdale was a U.S. Navy pilot and one of the most decorated officers in American military history. Shot down over North Vietnam in 1965 during the Vietnam War, he spent over seven years as a prisoner of war in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” Despite relentless torture and solitary confinement, Stockdale became the senior-ranking officer among the POWs and developed a covert system of communication and resistance.
His unbreakable willpower and leadership under extreme duress inspired his fellow prisoners to endure and resist. Awarded the Medal of Honor in 1976, Stockdale later credited his survival to firm adherence to principles and deep reflection on classical philosophy, proving that true strength is forged in hardship.
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III. Strong Man: Ricky McMahan
Over the weekend in Cocke County, Tennessee, a massive search effort was launched to find a missing 4-year-old known as "JoJo." The community and emergency services—spanning police, fire departments, drone teams, and K9 units—collaborated tirelessly. But it was local resident Ricky McMahan who ultimately located the child on his property, hidden in a secluded hollow. Amidst reports of extensive resources being deployed, it was McMahan’s personal initiative that brought JoJo to safety.
Cocke County EMA Director Esway praised McMahan’s heroic effort, saying, “if you do nothing else for the rest of your days, sleep well knowing you most certainly saved a life today”. The incident highlights the power of individual courage and community unity—first responders and residents alike played critical roles. Leaders from local agencies joined the search in person, underscoring a collective commitment to protect every member of their community
IV. Tweet of the Week: MHG on Dating Double Standards
This is a totally BASED take on the current dating scene by Murray Hill Guy. He’s got great perspectives on women and dating. Give him a follow today!
Follow @EnterManhood on X today
V. AI News of the Week: Microsoft’s New AI System Diagnosed Patients 4 Times More Accurately Than Human Doctors!
Microsoft has unveiled its new MAI Diagnostic Orchestrator (MAI‑DxO)—a multimodal AI system that chains together leading AI models (GPT, Gemini, Claude, Llama, Grok) to mimic a team of expert doctors. In tests using 304 New England Journal of Medicine case studies, MAI‑DxO achieved an impressive 80% diagnostic accuracy, compared to just 20% for human physicians, while also cutting diagnostic costs by 20%.
Led by CEO Mustafa Suleyman and boosted by top talent from Google, the platform shows clear promise. Still, experts caution that the real-world environment—with variables like test availability and patient preferences—might affect outcomes, and they stress the importance of clinical trials. Although Microsoft hasn’t announced commercialization plans yet, it may eventually incorporate this system into Bing or tools for healthcare pros, assuming further validation confirms its impact
How to Convert a Feminist - Red Flags to Red Pill
We all know a guy who’s wife is a proud feminist and shoves her ideology in his face. There is hope for him, which is why we developed the guide “Red Flags to Red Pill: How to Awaken Her Liberal Heart”. Download it today (for $6.99).
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Surely one of your unwritten man-rules has to do with using real artwork from an artist not AI out of respect for the discipline and craft of artists?
🇨🇦 here. Every single one of your rules also apply to women in the public sphere.
Inclusiveness ( what you would call protecting) , showing respect to others as a default setting, politely masking your disappointment in others' less-tha-optimal behaviour in social settings, honour in all of you dealings, generosity to those making their way up, standing to greet, not taking the last piece...
These are all things my parents taught me as the basics of social interaction, that have served me well in building my company.