he takes the lead.

When there is a problem, the rest come to him about it. If need be, he deals with it.

If there is a conflict about a house matter, he trumps everyone. Wife/girlfriend and kids should "voluntarily" relinquish their part in the conflict.

When he and the wife/girlfriend are out on the town and interacting with others, like at a restaurant or something, he should do the talking. If there is a problem at the table or with the food, the waiter addresses him. If there is a problem with a bill or something, the man handles it.

Of course, this requires a certain level of civility in order for all to act accordingly. Which is why "men of the house"'s are becoming fewer and fewer.

Any questions?

"Then the idiot who praises with enthusiastic tone,
All centuries but this and every country but his own"
Gilbert and Sullivan, The Mikado

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