The Rules of the Gentleman

[BoldHighlander]

Although I don't presume to know the mind of the OP, I took this list of rules as a reminder that the 'art' of being a gentleman is declining.
I don't think that if you fail to follow them to the letter, you can't be a gentleman.
I don't drink so I can't follow rule #15.
I can't afford tailored suits (my kilt is custom made 'tho) so rule #10 is out.
The scout oath does say be clean and courteous so I guess that's the same as Rule #1 and #4.
I look at these rules as goals to work toward and thus be a better person to be around and a better example for the generation behind me.

Well said, Gary! It's funny how every time somebody posts something like this, there are always those that seem to be personally insulted or want to argue minute points instead of taking the overall message to heart. I could certainly make modifications to this list to make it better fit my opinions...but I'm quite content to take it as is for it's overall message.

Well said gentlemen. The OP (moi) had no intention at pointing fingers at anyone, insulting anyone, or making anyone feel inferior. When I saw this list I thought "hey, this speaks to a certain code I try to emulate in some small way, and know others here who would enjoy reading it as well."

I could care less if you wear a tailored tweed jacket etc with your kilt, or a t-shirt & a pair of trainers, or whether you drink gin & tonic (I don't) or like your whiskey neat (I do) or for that matter if you even drink at all....or how you like your coffee (I take mine black as midnight on a moonless night, unless there's some Baileys around -- then all bets are off! ). Its how you conduct yourself towards your fellow man (& woman) that marks you as a "gentleman!" (~ however, the fact remains that if your invited to certain social functions then you won't get past the front door wearing that t-shirt & trainers, I don't care how big you are! )

And just because you might drink gin & tonic and wear a suit doesn't make one limp wristed. I've known plenty of gent's who wear bespoke clothing who have proudly served their country facing death in some far dark corner of the world, and they are the last people I would call limp wristed!

Again, its how you conduct yourself that is the true mark of a "gentleman" ~ I was raised to hold open a door for others who were following behind me (male or female), to offer my arm to an elderly individual having trouble crossing an icy street, and to be civil and not disparage others who I don't necessarily agree with. I mourn the lack of civility that we have in this world today. Others may see this as quaint & old fashioned, but again, do not disparage me for trying to live my life to a higher personal standard!

As the OP, I posted these "rules" for fun (rather you live them, or not, in some fashion). I'm sorry if some here felt insulted or inferior because of them. No one (myself included) said you have to live this way to be a "gentleman". However, please show a little respect for those of us who do or in some small way try to emulate them in some fashion, there is no need to run anyone else down. Live & let live.
I've always had one main rule above all others: "if you want respect, you must first give respect" (i.e. "treat others as you yourself wish to be treated").

Okay, 'nuff said, I'll step off my soapbox now.

I've been debating (since posting the above) about rather or not I should edit or delete this posting, as I do not wish to be seen as fanning any flames. In point of fact, it was my original intention to ignore any negative & inflammatory comments made earlier, but since there had been some question(s) as to my original intent as OP, I felt it needed to be addressed and decided to leave it as is. It is my hope that we can go forward & have fun with this thread (I, for one, really enjoy reading others reminisces of their grandfathers etc), but *IF* that is not the case then I'll ask the Mods to close this thread.