Boys will be boys.

So tired of boys. At 28, I've met quite a few. My 13-year old nephew is the prototype of what I often still see from the grown up males I've encountered. I'm hesitant to use the term men here because I'm failing to see the qualities that separate the juvenile from the mature man these days. Perhaps, the boy will always be a part of the man, which is definitely a quality that's endearing and, sweet even. But, there comes a point, when we all must take responsibility for the years we've lived. Women included - we can be, and are just as guilty when it comes to stepping up and not saying what we want and how we feel from time to time. But as this entry is about Boys II Men, we'll continue to keep the topic consistent.

The nature of girl/boy interaction and the chemistry that ignites the two is as compatible as my morning coffee. Can't live without it, and it keeps me alive and well. I learned long ago, beginning in my early school days, that pushing a girl on the playground, although not the best way to show her how much you care, certainly got the point across. The boy who treated you like his buddy was a sure bet. As junior high and high school approached, it was the boy who would throw paper wads in your hair during history class, or the boy who would casually bounce a tennis ball off of your head; the same boy who just so happened to be around the corner after your 2nd period class....every day. Those were the tell tale signs this boy showed he was into you. College, appears to be a whole new ball game for boys, the beginning of an altering shift taking place. This shift would seem a natural progression towards manhood, but arguably, a digression is all too common for many collegiate boys. Naturally, the need for college boys to hang on tight to their boyhood (speaking figuratively) is at a high point, as they party hard with their boys, ensuring that growing up is not part of the agenda. Sadly enough, frat status and the four grand university years soon cease to be, maybe sooner than many would like (hence, the 5, 6, and 7 year senior) and the real world awaits to take its place. The dating scene is much different in this arena; not as easy as sitting behind her in class, day in and day out. Now, encounters are fewer and far between. 'Guys' are forced to make their moves much more quickly - to man up, so to speak.

What exactly is that supposed to look like? At this point in the game, many grown up boys are confused and lack the ability to speak in cohesive sentences when it comes to women. Expressing interest and using gentleman-like tactics to show or tell a woman how much he appreciates her, or how much he would like the chance to take her out on a date, is difficult, if not, a foreign concept for him. Sorry boys, getting your soccer ball out of the trunk of your car and casually throwing it in her direction is not going to work as often as it did in the past (however, I may be the only exception to the rule in this instance). And, getting shit faced on a Friday and Saturday night, followed by the 'courageous' approach is also not a good way of expressing interest. Quite frankly, it's cowardly. But understandable as well, because no doubt those college years are a hard one to shake. Unfortunately, and pure fact, there are a lack of gentleman nowadays. As many lack the tools or confidence to step up and say how they feel. Many still, are reluctant to ever grow up.

For those who are fully grown and ready to admit to it, but fail time and again to take the risk to go after the woman of your desire, here's a pretty simple strategy to use: that beautiful woman from across the room wants you to come over and introduce yourself. It's not rocket science. There's nothing to lose and yet, everything to gain (face it, if you never had her in the first place, the potential rejection won't change that fact).

Men, be confident and strong. It goes without saying, real girls won't settle for anything less than. Boys, here's a piece of advice: leave the game playing for your Xbox 360 or weekend intramural and feel free to join adulthood at your convenience.