I had occasion to be looking at a copy of the Independent on Sunday from 2006 (in an article by Johnny Davis) the other day, and I found an article about men and finishing schools. It had a list of ten things that "every gentleman should know", which I found rather intriguing. I wonder how many gentleman I actually know.
Here are the first five of the top ten.
1. Never bring wine to a dinner party; it presumes too much about your hosts tastes. Cheese or a nice mustard are more appropriate.
Hmmm, I have to say that if I were having a dinner party and a guy I had invited brought a jar of mustard, I would be thinking less "what a gentleman" and more "what a weirdo". Needless to say, my male friends should just continue bringing wine.
2. In the street, always walk on the road side of a lady.
Now, my dad always does this, so he will be pleased to know he is a gentleman. But, if I am walking with the road on my right, it just feels strange to have someone between me and the road. In fact, my dad and I quite often have a battle over this.
3. To make a strong impression, when shaking hands, touch the person lightly on the elbow. But never for more than three seconds.
This seems OK, but what's a guy to do? Count? Time it. It could all go horribly wrong all too easily.
4. Always stand when a lady enters a room.
Does any guy under the age of 60 still do this? I think I might find it a bit unnerving.
5. Keep your hair, nails and hands immaculately groomed at all times.
Well, I have to say, nice hair and nails are nice things to see in a guy, gentleman or not (although I am not averse to a spot of nail varnish, but not sure this counts). But immaculate hands? Does this mean bringing out the hand cream?
Next five, next posting.
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