Some men underestimate the value of behaving  like a gentleman.  The dictionary defines a gentleman as “a man who is cultured, courteous, and  well-educated”.  Being courteous is what this article is referring to. This can apply to how a man behaves towards women and/or other men.  Being a gentleman means being courteous in all aspects of your life, including business, social, and every day activities.  Why? Because if you only pick and choose when you behave like a gentleman, then that means you aren’t a TRUE gentleman.

When applied towards women, a gentleman will do a variety of things.  These things show a woman that you are thinking of her needs before your own.  It means putting selfish needs aside to fulfill her needs.  It shows respect for her.  And it makes you look more attractive.  Believe it or not, women do notice!

So what types of things can you do and are expected as a gentleman?  Here are just a few examples to keep in mind.

Open the car door for her. Yes, a woman will notice this and it will definitely stick out in her mind.  Why? Because not a lot of men do this anymore.  And something to remember guys… don’t just do this once in a while.  Do it ALL the time.  Otherwise if you do it and then stop doing it she will think that you don’t care anymore or that your gentlemanly ways are going out the window.

Open the door for her and let her enter first. There is nothing more frustrating for a woman than when she is out on a date with a guy, he opens the door, and goes in first leaving her outside.  This also applies to restaurants, movies, malls… you get the idea.  Always let her enter or leave a premise first.

Let her order first. This applies to both ordering at a restaurant and at the movies.

Light her cigarette. If she’s a smoker, and you are too, or you have a lighter, light her cigarette for her.  Don’t just light your own, light hers as well.  Or if you see her pulling out a cigarette, light it for her.

Show by example. This means being nice to everyone.  If you’re polite and courteous to everyone this shows respect towards others, which means respect towards her. Let her know you’re a nice guy, even when it is towards someone else.

Offer to hold her shopping bags for her. Or when she’s going to try on clothing, offer to hold her belongings for her.

Offer to help her put on her coat/sweater. This is a very attractive gesture.

Walk on the outside. This means if you and her are walking down the side of a  road or on a sidewalk you should be on the outside, closest to the road.  This shows that you are being protective by protecting her from the traffic.

Don’t curse. Watch what you say around a woman, even if it’s not directed towards her.  A “real woman” won’t tolerate a toilet mouth and you will come across as totally unattractive.

Some other forms of behavior that make up a gentleman are:

• Don’t speak loudly.
• Don’t oggle or stare.
• Don’t lose your temper.
• Don’t interrupt.
• Don’t spit, fart, or belch (absolutely 100% unattractive)
• Do nice things for her, not just on special occasions.
• Avoid fighting

Chivalry is not dead, but it seems there are fewer and fewer men who are following these practices of etiquette.   Stand out from the crowd.  Make her notice you in a whole new light as the hero in her life by being a gentleman…. always!