Male Manners

Most men think that just "being there" is enough. Oh my, no, chaps. It's how you're "there" that counts with the ladies. We don't expect our dates to throw down their hoodies in a mud puddle for us to walk on, but we do expect a little effort at being a gentleman. There are men who somehow get away with very ungentlemanly behaviours and wonder why they can't attract the best of women. Good women can't abide bad men. If a lady accepts less than fair manners in a  man, she must be desperate. Remember people, there are worse things than being alone. Men and women deserve to be treated fairly and rudeness is just not acceptable. First, cleanliness is key. Everyone is offended by those whose body odor is detectable before they arrive.  Shower! And you don't need that high powered after shave guys, plain old soap and water will do.  When you arrive for a date, leave the ball cap at home. I shudder for pretty ladies who have to sit across from Mr. Grubby in his cap, chowing down. Why do men do this? Some believe it's okay because it supports their favorite team. The "team" is very unlikely to pass by to appreciate it. The I-am-bald-therefore-it's-okay-if-I wear-a-cap self-pity doesn't work either. If you don't have a lot of hair, never mind, most women could care less if you're bald or not. They see the you that is you. But make the "you" something appealing. When you eat, try not to emulate the animal that lives in a sty. Chew with your mouth closed and don't speak until it's empty. Never, never trim your fingernails at the table. I once knew a guy who did this and secretly ruined every meal I had with him. It wasn't about the flying flotsam left on my floor, but about having to watch this bad habit. And no toothpicks, puleese. Do that stuff in the washroom if you must, not at the table even if you own a sterling silver one. Yes, it's very nice when a gentleman opens a door for you and thank yous are in order ladies. Clothing doesn't have to be tailor-made but it must be clean even if very casual. Fingernails and hands, same way. Take a bit of pride in the shoe department also. Leave the clumpy runners in your foot locker, no matter how much you paid for them or how you wish to emulate your favorite sport hero. Runners are for running, not dating. It is verboten to flirt with other women  no matter how many times you excuse yourself by saying, "but I don't really mean it". Your date doesn't care. Women you date, want you to pay attention to them, not to ogle every passing female. After all, you asked them out, not the rest of the population. When you eat at a lady's house leave your ever-loving book behind. Do not sit and read while she is slaving over the hot stove. Close the book and get up and offer encouragement, if not help. And never begin eating until everyone is seated at the table, including the cook. That is standard, but some men obviously have been indulged by their mothers or formers and start forking immediately. One of the rudest moves to add to the list, is when a guy says he is going to come over and then calls to delay repeatedly, and finally doesn't turn up at all. That's the time for the lady to say "don't come at all - ever".  But that's another topic for another day. In the meantime, fellows, if you treat your lady with respect, she'll love you all the more and you'll be the winner. It's easy to do and you might end up respecting yourself a little more, too.