Your Complete Guide to Becoming a Modern Gentleman
Most men would like to be as smooth as Sean Connery’s James Bond—tuxedo, fancy car, and surrounded by women doesn’t sound that bad when you stop and think about it. Being a modern-day gentleman is more than opening the door for a woman. It’s about exemplifying what it takes to perform acts of chivalry. The main goal is to make the person you are caring for feel taken care of without stepping onto their personal boundaries. If you follow these simple tips, you too could be as smooth as 007.
It takes more than throwing your coat over a puddle.
If you are just starting your quest, check out The Quintessential Man—a website dedicated to everything a new gentleman needs to live better and even look better. The Quintessential Man aims to provide the tools necessary for every guy to live their best and most productive life. Your first challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to try to be aware at all times.
Any modern gentleman knows when and how to recognize a sticky situation where a woman or man may need a little extra backup. While most women are no longer damsels in distress, it’s always appreciated to have an ally. For example, a stranger with a walker may need help with a heavy door so it doesn’t always have to be about looking at how to help women. A gentleman should always strive to make those around them feel safe and looked after.
Be Brave
There is such a thing called the Bystander Effect, which is a psychological condition where people stand still while a situation is going on around them—think NBC’s show What Would You Do? There are too many times to count to recall how many times acts of violence have happened because one of the first witnesses failed to report the issue. Think about being just like your very own superhero. You can either be loud and attract attention or be the quiet whistleblower like Clark Kent.
Choose to Be Kind
Today etiquette means a lot when calling yourself a modern man, and it should easily be considered a social norm. What you wear says a lot about you, especially since dress codes have seemingly gone out the window in past years.
If you wear pants below your butt, you’ll be treated differently than wearing pants that fit correctly with a belt. If you don’t have the foundations of good manners, they can be taught. For example, you don’t talk politics or religion at a dinner. You want to put your best foot forward when it comes to interacting with others. As the old mantra goes, you never get a second chance at a first impression.
Make sure you listen to those around you to get a good insight into their likes and interests.
Also, remember that there are different forms of etiquette for every situation, and it’s important that you stay on the balls of your feet, prepared for anything. The bottom line is you want to make sure you are engaging your mind and making sure you understand the consequences of your words and actions.
Being a gentleman is not about being born with a silver spoon or making sure you are perfectly styled. It would be best if you were respectful, kind, and well-mannered. A “please” and “thank you” can go a very long way when looking to give a good impression. Choosing to be a modern-day gentleman is a lifestyle that you have to work on every day. In old England, a “gentleman” used to relate to a man who was “well-born” whereas now it has a whole new definition. Today, it’s all about doing the right thing and living by strict morals.
