Chivalry is not dead. The art of the gentleman is very much alive and kicking. There are still some true blue gentlemen out there who are keeping the noble tradition of genuine manliness alive. So what exactly constitutes a gentleman? Well, since the art of being a gentleman originated from ancient practices of knighthood, some of the principles of the old art form share similar values. Being a gentleman, much like being a knight, means a zeal for protecting those who are weak and defenseless. It means practicing utmost honesty and showing lots of compassion and empathy for others. In the modern times, the art of being a gentleman can be exhibited in the following ways:
1. Holding doors for women.
Men should always make the effort to hold the doors open for women. It isn’t because women are incapable of pushing doors open on their own, but rather a gesture of appreciation for a woman’s character and poise.
2. Practicing honesty.
Real gentlemen never tell lies. The finest gentlemen of the world are not in the game of deceiving people for personal gain. They never feel comfortable with manipulating people with lies and deception.
3. Protecting the defenseless.
A modern day gentleman has no problem with offering a helpful hand to those who are in need. Whether it be through charitable acts or friendly gestures, a true gentleman is always looking out for the little guy.
4. Offering his arm to a woman when walking.
A true gentleman will never leave a woman to walk alone. A real gentleman will offer his arm to a woman as a gesture of solidarity and togetherness. It also exhibits intimacy and affection for the woman.
5. Practicing punctuality.
A well-groomed gentleman is someone who is never late. Whether it concerns the meeting of important deadlines or the prompt arrival at gatherings and parties, a real gentleman understands that time is of utmost importance. Being late means that you don’t value your time nor the time of others.
6. Walking closer to the curb.
When walking on the sidewalk, a gentleman will always make sure that he is the one who walks closest to the curb. This is a defense mechanism so as to protect the women from the dangers and risks involved in walking along the vulnerable part of the sidewalk.
7. Accomplishing difficult tasks without passing it on to others.
A real gentleman doesn’t complain or moan about all the work he has to get done. He just gets it done. He also doesn’t like to pass his problems on to others because he understands that we all have our problems we have to deal with.
8. Waiting for other peoples’ orders before eating.
A real gentleman is patient, and he never digs into his meal even though other people at the table don’t have their food yet.
9. Keeping secrets.
The mark of a true gentleman is when he doesn’t betray the trust of others. Whenever secrets are entrusted to a gentleman, he acknowledges the importance of practicing full discretion and trust.
10. Keeping his promises.
A bona fide gentleman always considers his word to be bond. He knows that once he makes a promise, he must always fulfill it to the best of his abilities. Anything less, and his word is no longer trustworthy.
11. Exhibiting kindness and compassion to others.
These modern day gentlemen understand that kindness and compassion are scarcities in today’s era. That is why a true gentleman always acts as a shining light of hope in this dark world by always being kind and compassionate.
12. Offering his seat to women, disabled people, or the elderly.
Whether on the bus or at a waiting shed, a gentleman will never allow himself to be comfortable when he sees other people in discomfort especially when these people are women, elderly, or disabled.
13. Offering a jacket when it’s cold.
Similar to the previous item, a gentleman shouldn’t be making himself comfortable when someone else is in discomfort. If his date is feeling particularly chilly on a cold night, he would willingly give up his coat for her sake.
14. Rejecting violence against women.
One of the most important aspects of being a real gentleman is understanding that women should never be the subject of physical harm at the hands of other people. Violence against women is always going to be wrong in the eyes of a gentleman.
15. Paying attention whenever spoken to.
A real gentleman doesn’t just tune people out when they get bored of listening to them. The modern gentlemen are great conversationalists who know how to engage people well during discussions.
16. Practicing basic table manners.
A gentleman knows how to act appropriately whenever in dining situations. Particularly during formal settings, a gentleman will know the basics of utensil etiquette and other essential table manners.
17. Respecting someone’s privacy.
Gentlemen never kiss and tell. They respect women and never feel comfortable divulging intimate and private information to third parties.
18. Picking up the check.
While not necessarily a big deal, a gentleman should always make an offer to pay for dinner. He doesn’t ALWAYS have to pick up the check, but the offer is absolutely necessary.
19. Helping a woman to her seat.
A real gentleman doesn’t just direct a woman to the direction of her char. He always makes an effort to escort her until she is in a comfortable sitting position.