Is chivalry dead? Never! Period dramas such as Poldark and the Musketeers have never been so popular. Today’s modern woman still swoons over the gentlemanly brooding types, so guys, it’s time to polish up your the dating skills of yester-year, twang those braces, pull up the boot straps, and with a jaunty tip of your top hat, perfect the pulling power of Poldark…
1. Stand up when she walks in the room
In days of old, as soon as a girl walked in the room the man would stand up and address her as a sign of respect. Now if you’re dating, we don’t expect you stand up and down like a Yo-yo each time she returns to the sofa with nibbles during the TV ads, but if you’re going on a date and you get there first, be sure to stand up attentively when she arrives. Women notice and appreciate such things.
2. Opening the door for her
Traditionally gentlemen would do this for the lady so she didn’t drop her dress in the dirt. It’s doesn’t belittle, it is just another sign that you care, so if you get there first, be gallant and hold it open for her.
3. Don’t walk ahead of her
Yes, you probably have longer legs so therefore find yourself striding ahead but don’t walk in front of your date or girlfriend. Walking at her pace (which may be slow depending on her heel height) is a sign you are by her side, protecting her. Women hate feeling like they are chasing you – and sore balls of the feet to not lead to good moods!
4. Be in touch when you say you will
In the olden days, this would translate to a handwritten letter of course but calling when you say you will is a good sign. Today’s women are probably not spending their days waiting by a window or weeping over a tapestry…but it’s common courtesy to call when you say you will.
5. Give her your jacket
Women’s fashion offers far more scope than ours which doesn’t always lend itself to being practical in the colder months. A caring date will spot a cold one before pneumonia sets in, but if her jaw is chattering uncontrollably or she’s turned blue er, be the gent and offer up your own jacket to help her warm up. It shows you are paying attention to her needs.
6. Walk her home safely
A true gentleman will always walk his date or girlfriend back to her house, car or the tube station to ensure she gets back home safely. There’s not excuse in this day and age as sadly, the streets are still just as dangerous for a women as they were way back then. More so, maybe. Big bonus points for the guy who also sends a follow-up text making sure she has got back home properly.
7. Always listen to her
In 1860, The Gentlemen’s Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness said:
“To be a good listener is as indispensable as to be a good talker…” If you listen to her it shows you want to get to know her properly and are interested in everything she has to say.
Do you always try to be the perfect gent? Do you find women like or loathe this? Tell us @lovestruck
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