How to Be a Gentleman

12 Jun How to Be a Gentleman

by Jordan Harbinger

?Each Mo Bro Must Conduct Himself Like a True Country Gentleman.?

So reads the last, but by no means least, rule of Movember. As supporters of the Mo Bro movement at The Art of Charm, we take this injunction very seriously. We support men acting like gentlemen at all times. Still, when you?re an ambassador for a cause as important as helping men beat prostate and testicular cancer, you really need to go over the fundamentals and polish yourself up like a new diamond. In the spirit of helping you represent the cause, we came up with this handy guide on how to be a gentleman.

Dressing the Part

At The Art of Charm, we?re under no illusions that you?re going to get all gussied up like Nucky Thompson on a regular basis. In fact, Walter White?s wardrobe is probably closer to reality. Still, it?s the little things that make a gentleman and contemporary clothing is no exception. Any time you?re wearing dress slacks and a collared shirt, you?ve got to tuck it in, unless the collared shirt is a polo shirt. Sneakers with such attire is, obviously, verboten. Belts aren?t just for holding up pants. They also break up an outfit. Of course, you should never wear them with suspenders. Finally, once you finish college, clothes are dirty after you wear them once. No more smelling things to determine their level of cleanliness.

Smelling the Part

A gentleman does not impose upon others with his scent, be it natural or manufactured. No one should be able to smell your cologne unless you?re about to kiss them. This means that your bottle of Drakkar Noir is fine, but always err on the side of using too little, not too much. Deodorant should be applied after a shower to keep you smelling fresh and clean all day. Take a shower in the morning and after you hit the gym for maximum effect. Unless you have long hair, you only need to wash it a couple times per week.

Acting the Part

Here?s where the important stuff comes in. It?s good to engage in small acts of chivalry, such as opening doors for ladies (even if they aren?t your date) and letting women enter and exit elevators first. Walking curbside when escorting a lady is always the thing to do, even if the threat of a runaway horse and buggy is not as pressing as it was in years past. Stand up straight, suck in your gut and never slough around like you?re a surly teenager waiting for lunch hour to be over. Always offer help to the elderly in need.

Living the Part

First of all, disconnect your cell phone from your hand and enjoy activities without having to be glued to it 24-7. Beyond that, begin practicing simple acts of manners, such as writing thank you notes for a dinner party. Don?t give your number to anyone that you don?t actually intend to call back. Stop assuming that it?s a lady?s job to bring condoms (come on, you know you do this). Get into saying ?please? and ?thank you,? just like mom told you to.
Oh, and carry a hankie. You never know when being a shoulder to cry on is really going to pay off.

Jordan Harbinger is a Wall Street lawyer turned Social Dynamics expert and coach. He is the owner and co-founder of The Art of Charm, a dating and relationships coaching company. If you dig this and want to learn more from Jordan and The Art of Charm team, then visit http://www.pickuppodcast.com. You can also interact with Jordan on Facebook.

Image courtesy of PinkBlue / FreeDigitalPhotos.net