I am not a handyman.  I bought a my first house 3.5 years ago.  Bad combo.  Can anyone say learning curve?  The only thing I knew how to do growing up was assemble my skateboard.  I can’t describe how frustrating it was to have to call a friend over because I had a breaker go out and I can’t get my electricity back on.  Duh.  When we moved into our first home, my wife was in the hospital with our second child, and I was working 2 full time jobs.  Soon after followed our third, a daughter.  Now I am working 75+ hours a week, parenting 3 children and wouldn’t you know it, my house needs some repairs!  Well I can reflect now with some dignity and self respect.  I have successfully repaired my sprinkler system, changed toilets, sinks, a garbage disposal and water heater and the list goes on.  Of course many times I had friends helping me, but I learned something in the process.  All I needed was a small ember of confidence and I could start to see how to do this stuff.  I have incredible friends.  They have never made me feel stupid, I took care of that myself.  But a little help really does go a long way.  I started taking on things on my own, and succeeding!  I wouldn’t quite go so far as calling myself a handyman, but at least I have a clue now.