Guys, the foundation of a real man is someone who sacrifices and becomes a total gift to another. This is how we can truly care for and protect women and children. We are constantly being bombarded with false images and messages trying to tell us what it takes to be man. Together we have to reclaim the true meaning of manhood and attack all that could destroy it. A real man is someone who puts others before himself. Denying oneself and looking out for the good of another are the pillars of manhood. We can do this through acts of chivalry. Chivalrous men are men who are true leaders and who have the highest respect for all women. Chivalry can equip you with the armor of manhood.

But, what does that mean? Here's an idea:

• He is polite and respectful - holds doors; says please and thank you; addresses adults and elders appropriately, (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms., Dr., Sir, etc.).
• He is personable - easily engages in conversation; smiles often; takes a genuine interest in other people.
• He is unselfish - prefers to give than receive; quick to give others praise; modest in his own achievements.
• He is a leader - not afraid to do or say things that are unpopular; defends women, children and the innocent; has passion for life and desires to reach his full potential as a person.
• He is a protector - assumes responsibility for all those placed in his care (especially the pre-born); willing to lay down his life if required; maintains a peaceful presence because he has acquired the skills needed to protect others.
• He is a provider - ensures that others' needs are met before his own; understands the importance of sacrifice and effort; demonstrates wisdom in his decisions especially when they affect others.
• He is courageous - takes informed and worthwhile risks; brave when others are not; always speaks the truth in love.
• He is in control sexually- understands the virtue of chastity and seeks to live it daily; does not objectify women by looking at pornography or masturbating; saves all intimate acts for marriage.
• He loves God - puts God first in all things; prays and encourages others to pray; takes measures to avoid the near occasion for sin.

Guys, now you have some ideas what it takes to be a real man! It takes chastity and chivalry, but in today's world, that's tough! We are constantly being attacked with false images and messages about women and sex. It's important to know what hurts us as men and how to fight against it.

Guys, think about it. We love cars, magazines, computers, and video games. We love visual entertainment. This is why so many men are drawn to pornography - but this has some very bad consequences.

You know, guys should be visually attracted to women! Women are very beautiful creations. But, we also have to remember to focus on the whole woman, not just her body. Her heart, her soul, and her personality are all beautiful! Real men protect all these gifts of a woman as the most precious of treasures.

Pope John Paul II once said, "The problem of pornography is not that it shows too much; the problem is that it shows too little." Pornography focuses on the body and nothing else. The girl is seen as an object for sexual gratification, not a woman to be loved and respected. This girl is someone's daughter, sister or mother. How would you feel if a guy looked at your mother, sister, or daughter in this way? So, why do this to another girl?

Pornography can become very addictive. If you are looking at pornography now, chances are you will be looking at it later. If you struggle with pornography, deal with it now. First, get rid of the magazines, TV or internet in your room. Do you want your passions to control you or do you want to control your passions? Take advantage of the prayers or sacraments of your faith to heal from these sins. You have the power inside you to overcome this addiction!

Masturbation

Masturbation harms our perception of our bodies and the purpose of our sexuality. It also harms our relationships with the girls in our lives-even our future wives. This is fueled by the image our culture has of us: that our bodies are meant for instant sexual gratification. In reality, however, our bodies are meant for love through sexual self-control and purity.

Though it may be fueled by our culture, masturbation is essentially a selfish act. You might not have heard this before, but remember a true man is someone who sacrifices for the sake of others. Masturbation on the other hand is a complete lack of sexual self control. Don't forget that the sexual union is meant for helping to create life and for loving your spouse. Masturbation certainly does not create life and you are certainty not loving someone else.

The truth is masturbation will also lead you to use others as objects. If you struggle with this, now is the time to deal with it. You will become a true man if you battle the lusts in your own heart. Through this, you will love and protect your future wife (and family) although you may not have even met her! With God's grace, you can overcome this addiction!

Girls want love. They want guys that are interested in getting to know them: what they like, what they don't like, what scares them, what their dreams are, etc. It is important for the guy to pursue the girl. Girls don't want to be the ones to initiate. They want a guy who will initiate. If you're interested in a girl, talk to her! Tell her the qualities she has that you like about her. If she's beautiful, tell her. If she's sweet, tell her. If she is smart, tell her. It's good to affirm. Win over a girl's heart by showing her that you care about her and want to know more about her.

"I've already had sex. It's just too late for me." Says who? Time for a reality check. Life is about choices. Good choices and bad choices. But life is also about new beginnings. Chastity is not about your past..it is about your future!!

• What is it? A renewed virgin is any person who has engaged in pre-marital sexual activity and has decided to stop and commit themselves to saving all sexual behaviors until they are married.
• How do you become a renewed virgin? Anyone can become a renewed virgin at anytime. All this person has to do is make a personal decision to start saving the gift of their sexuality again. Granted, this person cannot regain their original virginity, but they can in a very real sense reclaim what they have given away and start saving again. This person is essentially rewrapping the gift of their body for their future spouse. Their renewed virginity will be a special gift that they can give on their wedding night.
• Virginity vs. Renewed Virginity - Mother Teresa said that the best gift you can give your spouse on your wedding night is the gift of your virginity. It is more precious than jewels. So, perfect virginity is the supreme gift that a spouse can give. While giving the gift of renewed virginity is not the same as one's original virginity, it is still the best gift that a spouse can give. Renewed virgins have a tremendous respect for virginity because they took it for granted and abused their gift. By reclaiming their virginity, they acknowledge their failure to protect and preserve what is most precious, and they lovingly choose to embrace a lifestyle that will safeguard their renewed physical and spiritual state.
• A few more thoughts on renewed virginity - Becoming a renewed virgin is a spiritual experience. Always remember, the worth of a person is not determined by what they do with their body. And for all those who have had their virginity taken from them either through rape or incest, it needs to be said that they are still virgins. Someone cannot take from a person what they are not willing to give. So for the victims of rape or incest, please know that you are still a virgin!