How to Behave Like a Contemporary Gentleman

Even though chivalry is sometimes considered dead, every a man has the opportunity to behave like a gentleman. You can leave the British accent and powdered wigs at home, though. Treating women and men alike with respect, favor and modesty are the keys to becoming a modern gentleman.

Instructions

1. Maintain eye contact with a soft gaze. Women and men both appreciate someone looking them in the eye when having conversation. But don't stare. Staring is awkward, uncomfortable and definitely not behavior becoming a gentleman.

2. Give fair and kind treatment to all. Giving preferential treatment goes against gentleman-like behavior. Seek to treat everyone with the respect and kindness they deserve. Be polite to everyone you meet, deferring preference to the other person over yourself.

3. Remain in control of your person and respect the boundaries and property of others. This includes common-sense behaviors that are generally disregarded in today's society, like not losing your temper. A gentleman never threatens anyone with his words or his physical ability.

4. Keep your word and arrive on time or early. If a promise becomes impossible, give the other person an immediate notification and an apology.

5. Remain humble. No matter your place or position in life, you haven't arrived yet and you never will. Retain the perspective that you haven't learned all there is to learn, don't know all there is to know and haven't accomplished everything you could accomplish.

Tips & Warnings

• Gentlemen take responsibility for everything that belongs to them, so pick up after your dog, self and children.

• Never interrupt someone while he's talking. This is common etiquette, as is chewing with you mouth shut and many other things you probably learned in kindergarten but may have forgotten. Revive these behaviors to become a gentleman.