Men's Lifestyle – Manners & Etiquette
Hardly Forgotten, Proper Manners and Etiquette Still Go a Long Way
Sep 26, 2008
While it may be a new century, a new millenium, and thus an entirely new set of cultural norms and progressive belief systems – there will always be a place for a well-mannered and polite gentleman at the board room table as well as at the dinner table. By possessing proper manners and integrating them into your already extroverted and energetic personality, you will be ultimately more attractive to others both as a friend, a partner, and as a lover.
Professionalism and Etiquette in the Workplace
While a few ribald jokes might have their place once you have fully sussed out the personality of your co-workers, employees, or superiors – the best approach is to adopt a personality that is genial and positive. One of the biggest mistakes that people make in their places of employment is to participate in gossip or backtalk of other staff members or co-workers. By remaining aloof or noncommittal in these discussions, one immediately comes off as benign and trustworthy – for you cultivate a reputation of discussing the positive or best aspects of your team-mates rather than constantly engaging in hearsay and backbiting.
Being well-mannered in a professional setting means being approachable, open to constructive and helpful criticism, speaking with eloquence and tact, once again and above all – to be positive and to encourage others to participate in congratulatory gestures or light-hearted conversation rather than in gossip and the airing of grievances. There is a place to air your grievances if they become more than a niggling problem, and that place is privately, face-to-face with the individual you would like to discuss your issue with. Dirty laundry is never to be made a public affair by any gentleman of merit.
Charm and Chivalry
Despite all efforts and belief to the contrary, chivalry is not dead. A woman still appreciates a person who takes the time to hold a door open for them, although laying ones coat down over a puddle in the street may be a bit much. Chivalry may no longer entail long and poetic courtship, or it yet may, but it is still a valuable and respectable trait that all men should aspire to hold.
Above all, remember to be presentable and well-groomed to your best when taking a woman on a date or a romantic night on the town. Too often at dimly lit restaurants the scene is set by a woman in a booth wearing a beautiful little dress and perfect little silver earrings and other jewelry – and sitting directly opposite her is the date or boyfriend wearing work jeans, sneakers, a sweater, and a ball-cap.
This is a signal to those women that these men are not respectful, romantic, nor do they understand the effort that the great majority of women put into their appearance and image. Oftentimes, these men do not keep these ladies in a relationship for very long.
So, always be sure to dress appropriately for your date – try to always go one step further than what the casual patron of the establishment you plan to attend might wear in order to look distinctive and sharp without looking overdressed. By showing your date, your girlfriend, or even your wife that you are making an effort to look your best for her, and for yourself, imparts the notion of confidence and respect that will start your night off on the right foot. In conversation, simply be yourself and be inquisitive – ask about your date and follow up on their responses. Women detest braggarts and egotists and will quickly become bored when it becomes evident that you are not interested in them in the least, or if you are interested, it is not in their personality.
So Long, and Thanks for All The Fish
Quite simply, there is no quick fix or magic solution to impart better etiquette and manners upon any particular gent – it is a gradual process that demands constant attention be paid to what one says, and how one presents themselves to others. Etiquette and mannerisms are simply learned behaviours when it comes to the realm of social interaction, you will make the greatest successes by thinking positively and proactively – rather than negatively and reactively. By adopting a polite, respectful attitude and speaking tactfully and thoughtfully – you will achieve a greater degree of respect from your peers, both professional and romantic.
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