JonMorrison.ca - On Being A Gentleman

A friend recently posted a picture called “Rules of a Gentleman” that I appreciated a great deal. Upon conclusion that the previous list was lacking and in discussion with some classmates (including what I consider a true, British gentleman) we came up with our own Gentleman’s List. The following material is original as no other websites were consulted:

• A gentleman will refuse to check his cell phone on a date.
• A woman’s salary will not be taken into consideration when a gentleman is considering her for mate-hood.
• A gentleman can be trusted with a secret.
• A strong handshake from a gentleman is an even stronger vow than clicking “I have read and agree to the above terms and conditions.”
• A gentleman will offer to scrape windows on a frosty evening.
• A gentleman will refuse to wear black with navy.
• Black socks are a sign of a gentleman’s maturity.
• A gentleman knows that a good pair of shoes are a good investment.
• A woman will not carry bags while walking with a gentleman.
• In the face of a verbal thrashing from a feminist, a gentleman will smile and serve her anyway.
• Even in the 21st century, a gentleman shall open car doors while en route to the car. Getting out is different.
• A gentleman knows how to make a woman feel cherished.
• A gentleman will never offend someone by accident.
• A gentleman says “Excuse me” when leaving for the washroom and gives no further details.
• A gentleman will ensure the seat is down even when he doesn’t know why it is such a big deal.
• A gentleman can handle an exchange of controversial ideas without making it personal.
• A gentleman is visibly uncomfortable when discussing the protocol of handshaking a female.
• A grandma will receive a hug from a gentleman every time.
• A gentleman can either tie a bow tie, is trying to learn how to or knows why one should have a profound respect for those who can.
• In formal gatherings, a gentleman stands up when a lady must leave…unless he doesn’t like her in which case he is making a very stern but subtle point.
• Upon her arrival at a private or public function, a gentleman will offer to get a lady a drink.
• A gentleman will offer his jacket to a cold dame regardless of whether or not they are a couple. 
• A lady will always be offered a seat from a gentleman.
• When a lady is entering a hot tub, a gentleman will distract the other guests as to draw attention away from her (Thanks Tim Ross for teaching this one).
• A gentleman knows not to drink from a straw (with the exception of scotch which requires it).
• A gentleman will walk on the roadside of the sidewalk.
• You will never see a gentleman running in public unless while wearing running gear.
• A gentleman understands the value of good penmanship and prioritizes a handwritten note.
• A gentleman will bring a gift to a dinner party or social event.
• A gentleman can open a bottle of wine properly, with class and with cork intact.
• Knowing that the gift of flowers is not solely for girlfriends and spouses is one of a gentleman’s best kept secrets.
• A gentleman will not put sunscreen on another gentleman or any man for that matter.
• In the morning, a gentleman will take some time to think about what he will wear that day and then not think about it again.
• A gentleman knows that people make character judgment about the condition of his hands and remembers to keep his fingernails tidy.
• Helping an old lady’s across the street is not a joke but a gentleman’s duty.
• A gentleman treats every elderly woman like he would want someone to treat his grandmother.
• A gentleman can comment that a person’s mother is “beautiful” but will never call her, “Hot.”
• Upon introduction, a gentleman will not shorten a person’s name unless given permission to do so.
• A gentleman will not “tut” or lift up his nose upon any other males or gentlemen-in-training who do not hold all the above standards of gentlemanhood.

If these are difficult, do not hesitate to read the follow up to this post: The Gospel For The Rest Of Us