Modern men may hear “etiquette” and think it is about stuffy traditions or outdated rules. However, good etiquette is about consideration and respect for one another, particularly when finding love. We take a look at 18 unspoken etiquette rules for the modern gentleman:
Listening Power
Men are often accused of being selfish and unwilling to listen to others. Being an active listener and genuinely paying attention to what others are saying verbally and nonverbally is essential to being a good person. It would be best to avoid interrupting and asking questions to look interested in others.
Mind Your Volume
While talking with others, please be careful about the volume of your voice. Shouting across a crowded room or talking over others is inconsiderate and can make you seem unapproachable.
Body Language Matters
In addition to listening to people and communicating with them respectfully, you should always be aware of your body language. Good posture and eye contact are positives when chatting to someone, whereas crossed arms or slouching can come across as uninterested or dismissive.
Inclusive Language
Good etiquette is not just about using good manners from the past; it’s about looking to the future and being inclusive. It would be best to avoid language that could be offensive or exclusionary and take time to hear other people’s stories.
Phone Etiquette
No matter how busy you are at work or how much you need to coordinate your social life, always being on your phone could be better. Try to silence your phone during meals and social gatherings and avoid checking it constantly. Excuse yourself if you need to call, and try to be as quick as possible.
Polite Handshakes
Some say that a handshake is too formal. However, a firm but gentle handshake is a timeless gesture when meeting someone. Going straight in for a hug or a kiss on the cheek can be overly friendly and something that only some people will be comfortable with.
Hold The Door
Holding the door open for others, especially those carrying something, is an act of kindness that takes little effort. When someone is entering/exiting just behind you, a couple more seconds won’t impact your day too much.
Good Deeds
Good deeds, such as carrying someone’s groceries if they are struggling or buying someone a soda on a hot day, show how you think of others. While acts of chivalry are welcome, you shouldn’t do them to gain brownie points.
Respect for Personal Space
Men should be mindful of their physical presence as some can be intimidating, especially around women. You should avoid standing too close to others or invading their personal space, and don’t even think about manspreading.
RSVP
If people have been kind enough to invite you to a special event, you should always RSVP as soon as possible. Invitations are sent so people can arrange seating and catering, so it is respectful to let them know if you would like a space. If you can’t make an event, instead of ignoring the invite, politely tell people you cannot make it.
Punctuality
Punctuality shows respect for other people’s time and schedules and demonstrates that you value their time. When you’re consistently on time, you build a reputation for being reliable and trustworthy. People know they can depend on you to show up when you say you will, which is how you want people to be with you.
Table Manners
Most people don’t expect full service at every restaurant, but basic politeness around the dinner table shows good etiquette. Brushing up on basic table manners, like using the correct utensils and waiting until everyone is served before eating, is polite.
Offer to Help the Host
If you’re a guest at a dinner party, offer to help clear plates or wash dishes. It’s a thoughtful gesture that shows appreciation for their hospitality rather than taking them for granted.
Digital Etiquette
Besides being polite around people we meet in real life, we must be mindful of our online etiquette. Be mindful of how you interact with others, and do not post offensive content that could discriminate against others.
Respect for Boundaries
Respecting boundaries is good etiquette for men and us all. Paying attention to social cues and respecting people when they say no applies to relationships and friendships, as you never want to make someone uncomfortable.
Be Grateful
To show others that you are grateful for something they have done for you, a simple “thank you” goes a long way. Whether someone has bought you a gift or helped you work on something, gratitude is essential etiquette.
Introduce People
If you’re with two people who might not know each other, it is polite to make a proper introduction. Think about when this happened to you and how uncomfortable you feel when you are in this position and feel awkward introducing yourself.
Be Yourself
While there are specific rules of etiquette, it’s essential to show off your personality. People don’t want to be in a relationship with a robot, so you should try to be as authentic as possible to win someone’s trust.