Ladies. I pride myself in the belief that I am a Gentleman. I would like to know what qualities define a Gentleman in your minds.

When I see a man who does things that will please me I know he truly wants to be with me. I guess that goes with taking the time to get to know me and actually remembers little things he has read in passing. All the other things are just common like cleanliness, manners and presentation.

Kisses Haley

I'm newly single again and have been going on several "first dates" these last couple of months. I find myself looking for the man who opens my car door for me (both getting in and getting out), a man who pulls my chair out for me at dinner and helps me scoot it in. I particularly love it when a man stands when I excuse myself from our table to the ladies room. More you ask?? -- A man who walks on the outside of the sidewalk and a man who escorts me by the elbow when entering a room or the dance floor.

Delicious!!!!

It must have been a radical idea 8-900 years ago when men starting choosing to use their superior strength to protect and honor women, rather than subjugate or abuse them.  And of course, it spawned the notion of the "white knight" that championed the fair lady.

The modern concept of the gentleman is descended directly from this earlier code of chivalry, where a man was courteous, honorable and gallant toward women.  It literally derives from the words gentle + man.

Of course, in today's modern world, gender equality laws mean that women don't need "saving" very often.  But it's still sad to see that the concept of being a gentleman (or a white knight) is used as a term of derision on the  General Discussion Board.  Because the idea of men treating women them with respect and courtesy, should never go out of style.

a true gentleman...

1. he is polite
2. he is considerate
3. he treats every woman like a lady (opening a door for a stranger etc)
4. he smells good
5. he is confident, not cocky

that is just a start off list..but those are my top 5...

While male hormones have a mind of their own, Along with being all of the above, I like a man who also Cultivates Charisma?  Charisma is the ability to make other people feel good about themselves.  It requires equal measures of confidence and empathy. It also helps to have good sex.

Corey Edwards, Atlanta

Wow! I didn't think anybody knew about the sidewalk thing anymore.

I appreciate your input. Looks as if most of you have the same ideas of what makes a man a Gentleman. I was raised by a Mama that taught me most of these traits and a few that I have learned through life experiences. I am not perfect as none of us are. I do think you forgot one gentlemanly quality. A true Gentleman always puts the commode seat back down or sits down to wizz. Sitting is best because a commode is not a urinal and no matter what if you stand up it will definately splash. Unless of course a man has a 2 foot long penis . There are those that will call me names for this but doesn't bother me . I am comfortable in who I am . To me its a matter of consideration.

since not many people empty their slops buckets and thunder pots out of the upper story windows anymore, that has kind of gone out of vogue....

Yeah, I know but a lot of people don't even know about it . My Mother didn't know the real reason so she told me it was so if a car splashed water from a puddle that it would hit the Gentleman first. LOL
i believed it. What did I know?

If she told you the other reason it would have no place in your life and seem stupid. My mom would joke and tell me the same thing your mom said when I was a teen walking to the movies with my boyfriend. She was always afraid someone would run off the road since we had no sidewalks most of the way.

Kisses Haley

I always walk behind the lady so I can protect her back. So I can see ahead of her and know what's coming. (I'm tall). I like to put my hand on the small of her back so she knows I'm there. In a crowd I would think that is reassuring. If necessary I could tell her which direction to take in a situation where she didn't know where to go or exactly the best way to get through a crowd. It also helped me let her set the pace as I tend to walk fast.
I had a lady friend that insisted on walking behind me. I was very uncomfortable with that. She said it was because she didn't know where to go and didn't want to lead and wanted to follow me. I didn't like it because I couldn't see her and know she was there or ok. She wouldn't hold my hand so I could be confident she was able to stick with me. It was very disconcerting.

I do know about the sidewalk thing. I do it if ever I'm in a situation like that.
I like opening the door and pulling the chair and all those things. No chivalry is not dead. To me it was never about the lady couldn't do it for herself (as some would claim) it was about showing her how much she is appreciated. It is also about common courtesy in situations like holding a door for someone when entering or leaving a building.