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8. He helps her put on / take off her coat Up through the Edwardian period, women wore multiple layers, and beneath them a restricting corset. A gentleman would help his lady put on and take off her coat because of her restricted movement.
9. He doesn’ t walk ahead of her Because ladies wore long dresses and could trip on them, the gentleman walked behind her when climbing a staircase. Tumbling down a flight of stairs isn’ t a good way to end a date. Today, the gentleman follows this etiquette rule because she might be wearing long heels or a long dress. This is another sign of him protecting her. However, she may want him to walk up stairs first if she’ s wearing a short skirt.
10. He gives up his seat to her if there is only standing room A gentleman offers his seat to a lady if there are no other seats on the bus / train. I’ m talking to you … the dude who wouldn’ t give his seat up to the pregnant lady.
11. He carries her bags A gentleman will help her carry her bags today, and when flying, will assist others in putting their luggage in the overhead compartments.
12. He picks up the check An English gentleman never split the meal with his date. The English used the term“ go dutch” in“ derisive application,” as they stereotyped the Dutch as being cheap, or“ stingy.” Today, the gentleman generally picks up the tab, especially on the first date, and with no expectations.
13. He holds an umbrella over her when it rains It was common for a younger person to hold an umbrella for an older person. When it rains, the gentleman holds an umbrella over her and doesn’ t mind getting a little wet.
14. He gives her his jacket A gentleman pays attention, and if he notices her shivering, he gives her his jacket to wear.
15. He keeps her secrets A gentleman will always keep a secret, especially the one entrusted to him by the woman of his dreams. Should a break-up happen, the gentleman can still be trusted.
16. He walks her home or to safety A true gentleman will walk her to her car or home to this day because he’ s concerned for her safety.
17. He listens to her“ To be a good listener is as indispensable as to be a good talker …” The Gentlemen’ s Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness( 1860). A gentleman always listens because he wants to deeply get to know her.
18. He’ s on time A gentleman is his word. Traffic is not an excuse for being late to a date. A good man plans in advance. Don’ t keep her waiting.
19. He compliments her She spent a lot of time getting ready, so a gentleman always compliments. He doesn’ t play on her insecurities. Negging is for creeps.
20. He would never dream of hitting ANY woman“… the greatest man would justly be reckoned a brute if he were not civil to the meanest woman” Martine’ s Handbook( 1866). The same rules apply today. It doesn’ t matter if you are Chris Brown or Ray Rice, a gentleman finds no excuse to hit a woman … no matter what.
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