There are two special characteristics displayed by a man that truly set him apart as a gentleman—he should have a keen awareness of others, and he should demonstrate a sense of protection toward others who are weaker than he is.
A few practical examples of this might be:
- Taking only 1 or 2 slices of pizza at a time and waiting until everyone else has had their fill prior to returning for more.
- Ensuring that everyone feels welcomed to participate in conversations.
- Speaking up in defense if anyone is insulting another person with negative words or actions.
Let's teach our young men to place others before themselves and to develop a strong sense of self-control that displays consideration for others. It's simple, yet it requires a calm, repetitive voice as well as a positive role model.
Please take a moment to share your experiences of when your husband, son or any man has behaved like a gentleman!
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A gentleman: Refrains from throwing cigarette butts, fast food containers and contents, or other litter on our roads, highways, streets, and sidewalks; Removes his hat or cap when dining at any restaurant; Refrains from expectorating on the sidewalk or in the street; Carries a handkerchief or tissue with him rather than snorting mucous into his nose; Refrains from wearing a white undershirt in public as outerwear; Refrains from wearing blue jeans with so many holes in them as to render the pants shredded; Refrains from wearing pajamas to go shopping or out to dine; Does not engage in extensive texting or cell phone conversation while in the company of others, such as for a meal at a restaurant; Does not ever use his telephone to curse, denigrate, humiliate, or provide intimate details to the individual with whom he is having a conversation within earshot of others; Refrains from blaring his vehicle’s stereo system loud enough to shake the windows of buildings; Takes the high road by declining to make obscene gestures to motorists with whom he becomes involved in petty conflicts.
I would add Holds doors for others. Opens the car door for his wife/girlfriend. Walks on the outside of the sidewalk.
A gentleman: - flushes the commode when he is finished using it, even at a sporting event; - does not attend a sporting event if he is unwilling to adhere to the provision that there is no smoking permitted anywhere inside the facility; - does not make or receive cell phone calls when sitting within inches of others at a public library; - does not leave his restaurant party and move to an empty table closer to others in order to engage in multiple personal, profane, and threatening cell phone conversations with his significant other.
Holding the chair for your wife/girlfriend. Letting your wife/girlfriend order 1st at a restaurant. Helping your wife/girlfriend with her coat.