When you are new to something, learning the words is a frustrating experience. You’re reminded of how little you know and how much effort it’s going to take to get better.
The same thing happens when you’re new to social interactions. You can feel like you’re fumbling around in the dark trying to figure out what’s appropriate in a given situation. But this is only true if you make it true.
You have the power to choose your own thoughts and feelings, so why not choose positive ones? Why not view this as an opportunity for growth? If you can learn a few simple rules for proper behavior, there will be almost no situation that confuses or embarrasses you again.
If you’ve ever wondered how to behave like a gentleman in every situation, here are some basic rules from old etiquette books that cover most situations, from formal dining and polite conversation, to dressing for weddings and funerals.
How to Act Like a Gentleman in Every Situation: A blog about a variety of topics related to being a gentleman.
Be a Gentleman: How to Act Like a Gentleman in Every Situation
A Blog About Gentlemanly Advice, Manners and How to Be a Man in Todays World
How to be a Gentleman in Every Situation
The Art of Manliness: Manvotionals: Timeless Wisdom and Advice on Living the 7 Manly Virtues
The Art of Manliness is here to revive the lost art of manliness. We encourage men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens – a new generation of great men.
Most men are pretty clueless about how to act like a gentleman. Thankfully, with a little time and practice, you too can learn how to act like a gentleman in every situation. This blog will provide you with the information you need to become the most well-mannered man in town.
Some of the topics we will cover include:
How to dress like a gentleman.
How to talk like a gentleman.
How to eat like a gentleman.
History of gentlemen.
Tips for being successful at work.
Being a gentleman is more than just knowing how to dress, or having impeccable manners. It is about being able to blend in and be comfortable in any number of situations. In order to be a gentleman you have to master the art of acting like a gentleman.
The word act can have many meanings. In this article I will mainly be referring to it as the definition “to do something so as to fulfill an obligation or achieve a particular result.”
How you act will depend on who you are with and what you are doing. If you are with your friends, you will probably act differently than if you were at work. There will also be variations depending on whether it is a formal or informal situation, which we will discuss below.
“You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.” -C.G. Jung
A man’s actions speak volumes about his character, and the right actions can make all of the difference in the world. Whether your goal is to be more successful in business, or to find a beautiful woman who will love you for the rest of your life, how you act can set you apart from the rest of the pack.
But if being a gentlemen means acting with honor and virtue, what does that mean exactly? What are the specific actions that set gentlemen apart from others? Here are 10 simple ways to add just a little bit more class to every aspect of your daily life:
It’s easy to be a gentleman when you have time. When you’re in the company of others, or dressed up for a particular event, it’s not hard to keep your composure and act with class. The real challenge is staying true to your values when no one is watching, and in the face of temptation.
It is then that your true character is revealed, and the outcome can be either positive or negative. Your personal interactions may be limited, but they will leave a lasting impression on those you come in contact with. How you treat others says more about your character than how you treat yourself.
I’ve written about this before: As men we are judged by our actions and not by our words. It’s what we do that really matters. Our actions dictate our success or failure as men and leaders of our families, organizations and communities.
For me, it all starts with my professional life. I spend over 40 hours a week at work, more than I spend with my wife and two young children combined. So much of what I do professionally has seeped into my personal life that it’s hard to draw a clear line between them sometimes.
The following is a guest post by P.J. O’Rourke, the author of How to Drive Like a Gentleman and Other Useful Tips from the 1920s.
In the first place, don’t be afraid to act like a gentleman or you will never become one. You know you are one already; at least, you will be, if you only keep up your courage and proceed as we direct you below.
1. When going down stairs two at a time, grasp hand rail firmly with right hand while holding coat tails clear of steps with left hand.
2. Walk home three blocks out of your way rather than let a street car conductor think that you do not have the price of fare.
3. In entering a street car, let ladies enter first, then stand aside and bow them to their seats; in alighting, bow them out first and then make your own exit gracefully.
4. Do not lean against a tree unless it is large enough to sustain someone of your weight; if it breaks and falls over on some innocent person, he may lay the blame on you justly.
