Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
“In a world of cellular phones, express lanes, business lunches, and political correctness, being a gentleman seems to be more and more complicated.”
So far, I agree with John Bridges, author of a book titled How to be a Gentleman: A Contemporary Guide to Common Courtesy. He goes on:
“Gentlemanly behavior…is not about do’s and don’ts, but about common sense and courtesy. A gentleman does not use his cellular phone during a concert, nor does he borrow more money than he can afford to pay back.”
OK, so far I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Bridges. But let’s move on to some of his gentlemanly points that give me pause:
“A gentleman does not put his groceries on the conveyor belt with other people’s groceries.” I’m sorry, but isn’t that why supermarkets put those sticks on the side of the belt? They want you to use them to separate your bananas and Duke’s mayonnaise from the person’s in front of you. Those cashiers don’t have all day to watch you unload.
“A gentleman never wears the same pair of blue jeans two days in a row.” What? This gentleman obviously loves using a washer and dryer. Most men I know, even the gentlemen, will tell you it takes at least a day to get a freshly washed pair of jeans broken in and feeling good. Besides, we believe in conserving water whenever possible.
“If a gentleman is giving an extremely intimate dinner party—for only one of two guests—he may ask his guests to join him in the kitchen as he finishes the dinner preparations. If the kitchen is small, they may stand in the door so that he can join in the conversation.” People watching me try to cook makes me nervous. However, I am not above asking, “Would you stir this okra while I make some cornbread?”
“A gentleman is never the last to leave a party. Neither, if he can help it, is he the first to arrive.” I don’t know how to avoid being the first, but the last two gentlemen hanging around might arm wrestle at the kitchen counter to see who leaves last.
“A gentleman should not lean back in his chair.” Actually, I agree, especially if the gentleman is old and has trouble putting on his underwear without falling. Like me.
“When a gentleman realizes that another gentleman has neglected to close his fly, he tells him about it, even in a crowded room.” I hope he is not saying it’s okay for a gentleman to yell across the room, “Hey, Homer, your barn door is open.” That would not be good.
“If a gentleman discovers, during a large business meeting, that he needs to use the bathroom, he leaves the room quietly. He does not need to announce where he going or when he plans to return.” Of course, if it’s the gentleman who forgot to zip up, everybody already knows where he’s going and when he’ll be back.
