People say that chivalry is dead. Due to the changing roles in society, it is no longer common to see men going out of their way to assist women or the elderly. When women or older people go about their daily routine, they would often encounter men who are passive and insensitive to their needs. What was once considered an endearing quality among men is slowly fading. However, there are ways that can still help you know how to be a gentleman.
16 Essential Rules of Being a Gentleman
Keep proper hygiene
Part of being a gentleman is putting effort into your appearance. For people to be comfortable around you, you have to always keep yourself clean and well groomed. You can do this by brushing your teeth and keeping a fresh breath regularly and also by making sure that you smell and look nice.
Know how to dress properly
There is nothing more manly than knowing how to dress properly. This does not mean that you have to wear expensive clothes. Clothes that make you both presentable and comfortable are fine. Define your style that reflects your personality. To spice things up, also have a signature perfume.
Know how to make good meals
If you want to know how to be a gentleman, you have to know how to make good meals. Making a good meal is a basic life skill that everyone should master. There is nothing more impressive than a man who knows how to feed himself and the people around him. After all, they say that the key to people’s heart is through their stomach.
Maintain a clean environment
Women can generally be considered as more proactive than men in keeping the environment clean. However, to be a gentleman, you have to understand that maintaining a clean environment is a way of respect for the people around you. This means keeping your house clean all the time or your office desk clear of clutter.
Always be on time
If you are wondering how to be a gentleman, remember to always be on time. Plan ahead and be there before everyone else. Aside from making enough leeway for unexpected circumstances, being on time shows that you respect the other person’s time.
Avoid dirty language
One way to be a gentleman is to avoid dirty language. When people hear you say swear words, you are disrupting their comfort and environment. A gentleman is someone who respects everyone, regardless of any characteristic.
Act accordingly and make people comfortable
If you want to know how to be a gentleman, be mature enough and act accordingly in certain situations. Know how to read body language, non-verbal cues, and facial expressions of the people that you are with. This will help you adjust and make everyone comfortable.
Hold doors open for everyone
Holding the door open for someone is one classic way of being a gentleman. This shows that you are not just thinking of your own comfort but you are also mindful of the little things that would make people’s lives easier.
Make eye contact
Making eye contact is one of the best ways for a man to show respect to the person that he is with. When you do this, you are letting the person see through you and realize that you are sincere in your intentions. However, be mindful not to overdo it as that would make someone feel uncomfortable.
Keep your promises
Show respect and be a gentleman by keeping your promises. Making promises means that you are committing to something that you will execute no matter what the circumstances are. Prove that promises are not made to be broken. Stick to your commitments.
Learn how to return the favor
When someone went out of his way to help you, show respect and be a gentleman by returning the favor. Show the person how important his help was to you and find opportunities where you can help him. When you go out of your way to help him, you are letting him know that he has got a friend in you.
Listen with attention
A man who knows how to listen is a man worth keeping. So many people today find it hard to keep themselves quiet when someone is talking. People are just so eager to speak out. However, you become a gentleman when you give the people that you are with your full attention and when you get really interested in their lives.
Put others first
You begin showing respect to others when you know how to wait and put others’ needs first. This may mean letting them go first when in line or attending to their comfort first before yours. When you put others first, people begin to realize how respectful you are.
Be financially mature
A man who knows how to keep his finances in order is truly a gentleman. While others struggle to manage their finances, a gentleman knows how to save and when to splurge. Making wise decisions about money shows how a man is ready for more responsibilities.
Make time for family
A true gentleman knows how to make time for family. Despite his busy schedule, a gentleman knows that family is the core of his being and time spent with them is a treasure. When people see how you treasure your family, they will learn to respect you and appreciate the man that you are.
Be kind to everyone
If you truly want to know how to be a gentleman, the best thing that you can do is to be kind to everyone. This does not mean being kind only to friends and relatives but also to those who cannot do something for you such as waiters, cashiers, and janitors, among others. Caring for someone, regardless of their age or status, shows how respectful you are.
View All Comments /Add Comment