With the Holiday season now officially upon us with the first night of Hannukah, it’s also the season for holiday parties. Whether it’s family or work, you’re going to be going to a party. 

At times, you’re going to go to a fancy or black tie party. It’s at that point, you have a decision to make. For many, that means either renting a tux or finding their tux in the back of the closet and hoping it fits. There’s another decision that needs to be made at this time. Are you man enough to tie the bow tie yourself or are you like this:

Admittedly, tying a bow tie yourself the first time can be daunting and annoying. Really annoying. I first had to do it for a Kentucky Derby party for work. First time you’re going to do it, it’s not going to look good. However, like with anything else, the more you do it, the better you get. If you’ve never done it before, I think this is a good primer:

Trust me, there are many benefits to tying your own tie. First, you look like an adult.  This is always a good thing. It’s doubly so at a work party when many people are embarrassing themselves getting drunk. Second, people are usually impressed with someone who can tie a bow tie. People equate the skill with Mr. Miyagi‘s abolity to catch flies with chopsticks. Lastly, you can actually untie it and take off your tie.  

Oh, and one other thing. You can do a great Frank Cashen impersonation.  If you’re a Mets fan that is always a good thing.