Who said chivalry is dead?
Ladies love guys with manners – that’s a fact that you should keep in mind. You can be the most handsome guy and probably the riches among her circle of friends and acquaintances, but if you don’t know how to handle yourself, you won’t go very far. This is why proper manners are important. Trust me, people will perceive you differently and they will look at you with utmost respect if you know how to properly behave in any sort of social interaction. Ladies in particular look kindly on guys with good manners –especially today when few men can behave properly.
So you better shrug off your modern-day-dating-games where bills are split into two, and earn your ‘pogi-points’. Here’s the blueprint to help you through — from the moment you fetch her from her place to the moment you bring her back home.
OPEN THE CAR DOOR.
This is the first step. Yes, it’s an old school, but real men still do this. When you’re on a date, it’s charming and gentlemanly to open the car door for her, close it gently and walk to the driver’s seat. If you are entering a cab (and obviously sit on the back seat), apologize to the lady and enter first. In this case you will squeeze yourself through and let the lady enter easily after you. Or you can open the doors for her, let her in, close them, and walk over to the other side and enter inside the cab. When exiting a cab be the first one out and offer your hand to the lady with you.
ALWAYS WALK ON THE DANGER-SIDE TO PROTECT HER.
Whether you’ll be coming from the parking lot or the cab drop you off near the restaurant, she should always walk on the “protected side”, it being left or right, if she is exposed to some unpleasantness. For example if the road is filled with water ponds she might get splashed from passing by cars. This is why you should walk on the outer side of the pavement, no matter if it’s left or right. If she is wearing fancy clothes and shoes, offer an arm. You might sometimes have to switch sides to stay on the outside, such as when crossing streets.
WHEN ENTERING A RESTAURANT MEN SHOULD COME IN FIRST.
Why? It’s because the inside of the restaurant is unfamiliar territory and every gentleman’s obligation is to protect his lady companion in all unpleasant situations that may arrive. Make sure that you hold the door open for her. When you’re inside the restaurant, you should be walking in front.
DON’T SIT DOWN YET, PULL OUT THE CHAIR FOR HER.
When taking a seat at the table a gentleman should stand behind her chair and pull it out and then bring it back in as she prepares to take a seat. Sometimes the waiter will escort you to the table and help the lady take her seat. If this is the case, you should let the waiter help her, but wait for her to sit down before you take your chair. Keep in mind that a man should sit at a table facing the exit of the restaurant.
PUT YOUR NAPKIN ON YOUR LAP AS SOON AS YOU SIT DOWN.
Leave it on your lap until you’re done eating. If your napkin falls on the floor, don’t pick it up — ask for another one. The same goes when you drop a fork, spoon, knife, etc. No five-second rule here please. What lands on the floor, stays on the floor.
Hand her the menu and allow her to study the choices. Ask her what she’ll have and transfer her order to the waiter.
WHEN CHOOSING A MEAL, A LADY CHOOSES FIRST.
Hand her the menu and allow her to study the choices. Ask her what she’ll have and transfer her order to the waiter. If she is not hungry and chooses a lighter meal, you will also choose a similar one. You don’t want her to sit and bore herself while you are eating your six-course meal. You and only you are responsible for the wine. The wine list is yours, but you should always ask your lady what wine she likes and what would she like to drink. It is also your obligation as a gentleman to fill her glass if it is empty. In many restaurants waiter will do it but that doesn’t mean that you have to wait for him. When the meals arrive you will wait till your lady companion starts to eat.
YOU SHOULD PAY THE BILL.
When it’s time to go, ask for the check and pay the bill. Nowadays women want the freedom of going dutch on a date, with no further obligation. Some, however, expect to be treated like a queen. As a general rule, the fancier her clothes, the more likely she expects you to pay for dinner. In any case, bring enough that you can pay for the whole thing.
MASTER A GRACEFUL EXIT STRATEGY.
When leaving, open the door for the lady and let her out first. Walk on the outside on the sidewalk, go back to the car or get a cab. Open the door for her, wait for her to get in, close it, go around to your side, hop in, and to drive her back home.
CitizenTimePH 