10 Gentlemanly Acts That Men Need To Bring Back
Words: Alex Woodhall
Gentlemanly etiquette is, it would appear, on the way out. With only a handful of genuine gentlemen around today, chivalry is slowly fading from everyday existence. Buck this worrying trend immediately and adopt these gentlemanly acts that are all too often simply skipped over.
1. WALKING ON THE CURBSIDE
Put yourself between her and the traffic. A simple gesture that acts as a metaphorical barrier between her and danger/being splashed by a car driving through a puddle.
2. SHARING YOUR UMBRELLA
She spent more time on her hair and make-up than you, fact. If the proverbial heavens open up, prioritise her with the umbrella and hold it over her, trust us she’ll appreciate it. Take your lead from Leo…
3. HOLDING DOORS OPEN
Simply put, hold the doors open for those following you in, those carrying something and the elderly. Manners cost nothing and you’re making life a lot easier for others. Are you really so busy you can’t spare an extra few seconds to be considerate?
4. BUY HER FLOWERS
Giving her flowers on the first date, especially if you don’t know her is a bit cheesy. Save the flowers for later on but on occasion buy her a bouquet, you don’t need a reason and she’ll definitely appreciate it.
5. PULL OUT HER CHAIR
Whether you arrive together or before her, stand up and pull out her chair for her. There’s no rhyme or reason for this one but the gesture will be noticed and appreciated – it’s one that’ll definitely set you apart from other men.
6. GIVE HER YOUR JACKET
If you’ve left the restaurant/bar and are extending the date with a late night walk along the Embankment, offer her your jacket if she’s getting cold. Drape it over her shoulders or help her into it; another simple act that will go along way.
7. MAKING SURE SHE GETS HOME OK
Ideally, if the date has gone well, you’ll walk her to her door – without expecting to be invited inside. At the very least, give her a quick text to ensure she got home ok. Forget the nonsense about giving it three days before contacting her again, this is just a courtesy; you’re not organising a second date.
8. REMOVING YOUR HAT INDOORS
Hats may not be the uniform de jour like it was in the ‘50s but they’ve certainly come back into fashion. If you’re staying anywhere for a long period of time, remove your hat out of respect for those around you; keeping it on gives off the message that you’re looking to leave in a hurry.
9. GET IN THE TAXI FIRST
This may seem counterintuitive. After all it’s usually the polite thing to let her go first but in the case of a taxi, get in first to save her the indignity of shuffling along the seats.
10. TAKING A STEP BACK
Not literally, this one refers to conflict, particularly in public places. Avoid raising your voice or getting into a shouting match in public – it’s not very becoming. Take a step back, cool your temper and regain your composure. Handle yourself like a gentleman and be diplomatic.
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