Etiquette can often be a tricky business for an aspiring Classy Gent, as he does not want to look too old fashioned and outdated and above all he does not wish to offend those that still cherish gentlemanly manners. As such, the Classy Gents will give you regular tips on etiquette that hopefully clarify your understanding of what the modern day Gent carries out.

The first point should be obvious, yet frequently this Gent sees this basic point of manners overlooked. Always hold a door open for a lady. Simple enough, yes? Unfortunately not, as we shall see.

Whilst it is always correct to hold open a door for your lady friend and any passing lady, a Gent would not want the lady to feel uncomfortable or rushed to accept the courtesy. Hence, a judgement call is required. If the lady is of a distance behind you where she would be forced to quicken her pace to get through the door, then it is best not to give her the embarrassment. In this situation, make a call and either hold it and face the consequences (it may even be a chance to start a conversation) or proceed through the door yourself. Once through the door, look back to check again whether holding the door is now appropriate; if so then offer a smile to the lady and step out of the way.

As this is the first post on etiquette and not wanting to leave a squire floundering for want of teaching, we shall present a second lesson too.

When watching films set in periods where etiquette was at its peak and chauvinism an unchallenged way of life, an aspiring Gent will likely notice that men stand upon a woman entering a room or sitting/standing at a dinner table. He may ask if this is still acceptable or whether it will be laughed at as an archaic gesture. Whilst the tendency for standing  for a lady’s expense has certainly evolved, it is still appreciated by the fair sex. However, in order not to open oneself to embarrassment, one should only stand on the following occasions:

1.       When seated at the table and a lady arrives, stand and great her with a kiss on the cheek. Whereas the true British manner is only a single kiss (with contact on the cheek), it is becoming more frequent for ladies to expect a Gallic double air kiss. React as appropriate and do not bumble about if the lady expects a double. When a lady stands to leave the table it is no longer expected for a Gent to stand also; similarly do not stand upon her return, this only brings attention to the fact that she was forced to leave.

2.       When in a room (any room where one is seated) and a lady joining your party arrives that you have not met before, stand and introduce yourself. Ideally one of your companions should also stand and make the introduction, but do not rely on this.

The above are the only two occasions where standing will raise a lady’s opinion of you and not draw any embarrassment, even if your companions are not as classy as you.