I firmly beleive that- to be considered a Man and able to call yourself one- a guy MUST have something to live by. Whether it be a code of conduct, code of honor, chivallry itself (my personal choice), or even a holy book. A man also must be of the "good" persuasion. Now i know the term "good" is subjective to different peoples interpretation
s. They also must know how to treat a women with the respect she deserves- this does not mean to do EVERYTHING for them or to be all mushy about it- but treating a women with kindness and compassion is not weakness (contrary to what many people i know have told me)- it is a strength that i feel many "men" these days are lacking in. In my opinion- until a boy can say for certain he has all of these things in his heart, well and truly, then he can call himself a man. Until that point- your just a grown up boy.
I understand some will find this philosophy of mine sexist- and if thats the case then I apologize- but the world of Men has gotten far away from what it truly could be. Just my two cents