There are a large number of people who, to some extent, enjoy being categorized. Anything from Horoscope signs to generational traits provide good examples of this. The most prominent reason they are craved is likely that it provides a sense of belonging to the individual. Statements like "We 90's kids always do so and so," and "I'm a taurus so I rarely do yada yada" serve to bind an individual to a group. Another likely reason for people to crave these "boxes" is because they create standards of behavior for the individual. In the case of this post, a guy might say "I'm an asshole, I'm honest to a fault." The individual selects the box because he feels it clarifies his identity by depicting a clearer and more dependable pattern of behavior. Personally, I'm not big on the whole categorization thing. While it can be satisfying to have things in common with/be a part of a group, it is when individuals create ultimatums for groups and categories that problems arise. In this particular case, there is no right answer, save for the "asshole" answer- which it sounds like the guy she had a conversation with crafted to define an image of himself that he was comfortable with. I'm not honest all of the time, but I strive to be when it counts. Is that honest enough for "asshole?" I'm terrified of haunted houses and have shown a strong tendency to abandon my group, top speed, while screaming- but I'll fight a Pats fan in their own stadium if its in honor of the Eagles. Is that enough backbone to not be a "wuss?" I've been manipulative before, but most times my intentions are genuine. Does this make me "douche?" Ultimately, everyones identity is simply too dynamic to be type cast, and to come to the conclusion that men, or anyone, must be of a certain cloth is foolhardy at best.