It's amazing what people would do to please other people. Whether you're a man or a woman, there will always be men in your life that you'd want to please because of some weird psychological makeup, or simply just an impulse to make them happy that you're around. Perhaps, they make you happy too, or you want them to appreciate you.

Dad and the Father-in-Law

The most important man in your life is your dad. Whether he was - or is - a saint or an ogre, he is still your dad. As you grew older, you've come to know him like the palm of your hand. Just a slight arch of his eyebrows or a twinkle in his eye and you'll know if he's annoyed or happy. His body language can always warn you to take to your room or to hug him.

Your dad becomes a father-in-law eventually. But that is not your problem. Your problem is the father-in-law you have acquired by the benefit of getting married to your long-time boyfriend. But by then you would've been schooled in the arts of pleasing your dad, and tackling your father-in-law becomes just a minor issue.

The Brother and Uncle

Next in rank in the list of men in your life are your brothers and uncles. If you have no brothers, perhaps a gang of male cousins have made up your mind about men. Brothers and male cousins can be both a bane and boon. But you know you can always rely on them to fix up technical glitches when your gizmos are acting up.

Uncles are nice to have around, especially at Christmastime and birthdays. They always bring lovely presents and provide a shoulder to cry on when you're distressed or just feeling down. They're the fellas to ask counsel from when you break up with a boyfriend, or when you want some sage advice about a guy who is always hanging around you.

The Professor

The bespectacled math professor is another man to contend with. He takes pleasure in giving you surprise quizzes despite your groans of protestations. But outside of the classroom, he is an avuncular figure, and you feel comfortable asking him tips to ace the assignments. He does not rant and rave when your scores are shameful. Instead, he takes the time to explain the subject matter with the patience of a saint.

The Husband

The husband comes later in the lineup as you don't meet him until later in life. The husband is the most special of all the men, and you want to please him and make him feel like a king in your own little kingdom. He deserves the adulation. After all, he is your husband, lover, and friend.

The Boss

With the boss, everything is different. You'll have to show him you can do the job right. Someday, he'll give you that promotion, so what do you do now? You arrive at the workplace early, meet all deadlines, and give him no reason to complain about your work.

All these men deserve a token of your appreciation, love, concern, and respect. Giving them occasional cool guy gifts can plump their heart. Do what is expected of you. Call them up once in a while and ask how they are doing (except for the boss). Cook your dad's and your father-in-law's favorite dishes and deliver these to their doorsteps. If they're into some kind of music, get them the CDs of their favorite bands. Take note of their birthdays and mail them your greetings. Be there for them when things are rough. The men in your life will love all the things you do. You'll find that it's easy to please men. They're just spoiled, lovable, little boys in disguise.