Dear Mann Landers,  

I moved in with my girlfriend to a modest house that has a lot of “character”.  Seems like something new breaks or requires fixing every month. I’m not handy so I keep having to get a repairman come in. I can see my girlfriend losing respect for me as a man each time this happens.  

Where do other guys find the time to learn how to fix all this s#^+!?  

Tips?  

Al Boreland, in Birmingham  

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Dear Al Boreland,  

One of the most famous repairmen of all time is Tim “the Toolman” Taylor.  Guess what? He couldn’t fix a damn thing!  Instead he relied on others to fix his mess or at least show him how it should be done. You need to find your own Mr. Wilson.

Now I don’t suggest that you start leering over your fence at your neighbours in hopes that one of them responds with sage advice a la Mr. Wilson…. you’re more likely to get a cease and desist order for being a Peeing Tom if you go that route.  

We live in the digital age - there are countless websites out there that could act as the digital equivalent of Mr. Wilson. Try eHow.com. It’s chalk full of incredibly specific “how-to’s” such as: How to Level a Pool Table, How to Tune a Grandfather Clock, How to Build an Underground Fort, How to Replace a Three Handled Tub Faucet.  

I don’t blame your girlfriend for losing respect for you, because a man shouldn’t just call a repair guy to fix every little problem. A man attempts to fix it himself, ultimately F’s it up even more, and only THEN does he call a repair guy.  Gradually over the years you’ll learn a thing or two from hawking over the repair guy, and you’ll become capable of fixing things yourself.  

Don’t fear failing in front of your girlfriend. My guess is that she’ll find it endearing to see you all sweaty and frustrated all in the name of fixing something that you know bothers her.  

You’re welcome,

Mann Landers