As a follow-up to the unexpected success of “How to Be a Lady in the 21st Century” post I wrote a few months ago, I’d like to present something for the fellas.
· Being a dignified gentleman is not about what you have but what you give that defines you.
· If a door has a handle and hinges, open it and let the woman walk through first.
· Leave the peacocking to the peacocks — style is an attitude.
· You are not a pushover — you are a strong and self-determined independent individual.
· No need to boast what you’ve got down there to anyone, ever.
· Good manners are essential, but not enough — anticipating others’ desires and needs will make you memorable.
· There’s nothing more attractive than a groomed man who knows exactly what he is doing and where he is going.
· Bring something to the table — whether it’s being the breadwinner or the stay-at-home parent, be an achiever.
· Pick up a creative hobby — writing, woodcrafting, photography, the guitar, etc.
· Be calmly protective but not oppressive — your girlfriend, wife or daughter will look up to you.
· Gentlemen are not known for their egocentrism, vanity, or animosity.
· Gentlemen know how to cook — nope, the microwave doesn’t count.
· You’ve got a soft spot for the wilderness and the environment because you care.
· EXERCISE!
· You are not tethered to your smartphone or laptop— you have a healthy tech / life balance.
· Always under-promise and over-deliver — but always deliver.
· In conversations, ask people about themselves and only talk about yourself when asked.
· There are still women on this earth who like to be pursued — if you like her, ask her out already.
· Dish out thoughtful, genuine compliments with no ulterior motives to both men and women, but don’t come across as a kiss-ass.
· Selfies are better taken by someone else—especially by a beautiful woman.
· Read as much as possible—I don’t mean just the internet.
· Gentlemen give up their seat to pregnant women or the elderly on a bus or subway.
· Be good with your hands—make things, be gentle to the touch, offer help.
· You know how to be funny without being crass or overtly sarcastic.
· Alcoholics are not gentleman, and gentleman are not alcoholics.
· You’ve mastered the art of the handshake.
· Gentlemen are not bystanders—they are the first ones to act.
· Express your masculinity in a way that shows respect for femininity.
· Ask, not demand.
· You know how to balance your career with family and personal responsibilities.
· You have a decent savings account.
· Pick your nose in private, seriously—you won’t believe how many men try to sneak it in public but still get caught.
· You never hesitate to apologize or rectify if its your fault.
· The mother of a gentleman will always be loved above his own life and taken care of.
· A gentleman appreciates penmanship—legible handwriting is a must.
· Gentlemen care more about the quality of sex rather than quantity.
· Always have something interesting to say besides the weather or what’s on Facebook.
· “Bitch” is not in your vocabulary.
· Don’t overdose on emoji’s when texting.
· You can count your loyal-to-the-end friends on one hand.
· There’s a difference between cockiness and confidence—and you’ll be viewed differently depending on which you choose to be.
· A gentleman knows that contentment can lead to happiness, but they also know when not to settle for less.
· You are never that loud, obnoxious dude at the bar.
· It’s better to be the one buying drinks.
· Having a sense of design in your home is important—if you need help, enlist a professional or lady friend.
· Gentlemen know how to drive a stick shift and parallel park.
· You can tie your own tie — bonus points if it’s a bowtie.
· Negotiating for what you want in business and personal relationships is child’s play.
· You either have to be book smart or street smart — even better if you’re both.
· A gentleman presents himself in real life just as he presents himself on paper.
· You take shit from no one.
· Don Draper is not your role model.
· Cutting corners is not your thing—taking the easy way out is the pussy way out.
· Gentlemen know that fashion matters, but they don’t necessarily dress in the fashion of “what’s in right now”.
· Romance comes easy, like riding a bike.
· No one will ever associate you with “boring”.
· A gentleman knows how to get the attention of the room he is in without saying a single word.
· Your dignity and humbleness are in a class by themselves.
· You appreciate live classical and jazz music.
· Whenever you encounter a mess, problem, inconvenience, or bad attitude, “Leave it better than you found it”—that means doing your part in helping keep the environment clean, cheering up someone, or simply providing a positive solution.
· Gentlemen are mentors and teachers—they commit to passing on what they know and do it unselfishly because they want to make things better for everyone, not just for themselves, and surely not for financial gain.
