The Perfect Gentleman Issue 9 - Christmas | Page 18

This may seem like an odd thing to say especially
when there is so much happening right now in the
world of politics, with the recent Brexit vote, and
the recent vote for the US Presidential election, but
there have always been topics of conversation that
cause contention, and when passions are running
high disagreements can quickly escalate into anger
and hurt feelings.
There are many other areas that people have very
strong feelings, and these are areas that will touch a
nerve if a thoughtless or deliberately contentious
contrary opinion is expressed. There are also topics
of conversation that should be avoided as they are
considered rude, or inappropriate unless you know
a person very well. A few of these topics are laid out
below.
Finance:
Especially in the UK, it is not polite to discuss
someone's financial status, especially how much
money they have, or what their salary is. Talking
about someone's job is acceptable, but remember to
focus on the positive aspects of the job.

Death:
Death is a very emotional, and a very heavy topic,
that is far too heavy for small talk, and can
accidentally open up old, or not so old scars.
Age and appearance:
Many women are very hesitant to talk about their
age, and some men are too. Another one best
avoided.
People can also be very defensive about their body
image, and in any case it is not Gentlemanly to
judge a person purely on their appearance. If you
must make a comment on someone's appearance,
compliment them on their choice of clothes, shoes,
or hair as this is as much a compliment on their
selection, and therefore taste as it is a compliment
on their appearance.
There are many other topics that should be
avoided, including negative gossip about anyone
who is not in the public light, previous
relationships, inappropriate jokes, or areas of
interest that exclude others.

Religion:
This is another area where people hold their views
to be very personal, and they can be very sensitive
about them, so this is another area to avoid.
Sex:
Sex is a very personal subject, and many people are
uncomfortable talking about it with people that they
have only just met. Avoid any topics that are
directly related to, or indirectly allude to sex,
including innuendo.

Remember that the Gentleman will always try to
make other's comfortable around him, so make sure
that you are inclusive, and considerate in all your
conversations, especially with people you have only
just met.

Don't Talk
Politics!
by Ruairidh Bulger

18

Mannered Gentleman