Scoring your first date with a lovely lady is big news. How do you make a great lasting impression? In a world where chivalry is supposedly dead, show her otherwise. “You sir, are a gentleman and a scholar”—so act like the polite and cultured man that you are and woo her with your charm. Voilà, the damsel will be all yours!
Here’s the scoop: to be chivalrous doesn’t mean you have to lay your coat over a puddle for her (honestly, why ruin a perfectly good coat). The point is to make her feel special and appreciated. Long gone are the days of knights, however, being a modern-day gentleman is always in style. Read on to learn some basic tips on gentlemanly ways, for the first date and beyond.
Open the Door…to More Lovin’
Always opening doors is a cardinal rule in male etiquette and is especially important when with a special lady friend (wink, wink). Opening doors to restaurants, lounges, and date spots may be obvious, but be sure to open the car door as well. This is not just limited to opening the door so she can get into the car. When you park, get out, walk around to the passenger side and open the door for her to get out as well.
Off with your coat!
When you arrive at your dinner destination, gently help her take her coat off. When dinner ends, help her put her coat back on. As a caveat, take note of her comfortability with you beforehand and make sure that you are not entering into her personal space, as even a slight touch can be too personal, depending on the person. Remember, don’t use the opportunity to cop a feel—after all, this blog is about chivalry!
This is Where the Meal Magic Happens
When you reach your table, don’t immediately take a seat. Instead, pull out her chair so that she may sit down first and then gently push her chair back into place. Also, regarding table manners, if your meal arrives first, wait for hers to arrive before you start eating. This is a very subtle gesture, but still important.
Get up, Stand up
If she needs to use the restroom while at the table, pause what you’re doing, stop eating and stand up when she gets up. Relax and sit back down while she’s gone. When she comes back, get up again, walk around the table and pull out the chair for her to sit.
The Right to Bear Arms
When escorting her from place to place, offer her your arm. It’s a kind and intimate act that can bring the date to the next level. Lending her your arm serves well for uneven walking surfaces and if she’s got on her first-date heels, your arm will serve good use!
You don’t have to follow the Knight’s Code or be a member of the round table to be chivalrous. These are all simple gestures that are easy to do but can go a long way. You can do as many as you like, depending on how comfortable you are, but if you start a relationship with respect, you sir, will be noble in love.
Here’s the scoop: to be chivalrous doesn’t mean you have to lay your coat over a puddle for her (honestly, why ruin a perfectly good coat). The point is to make her feel special and appreciated. Long gone are the days of knights, however, being a modern-day gentleman is always in style. Read on to learn some basic tips on gentlemanly ways, for the first date and beyond.
Open the Door…to More Lovin’
Always opening doors is a cardinal rule in male etiquette and is especially important when with a special lady friend (wink, wink). Opening doors to restaurants, lounges, and date spots may be obvious, but be sure to open the car door as well. This is not just limited to opening the door so she can get into the car. When you park, get out, walk around to the passenger side and open the door for her to get out as well.
Off with your coat!
When you arrive at your dinner destination, gently help her take her coat off. When dinner ends, help her put her coat back on. As a caveat, take note of her comfortability with you beforehand and make sure that you are not entering into her personal space, as even a slight touch can be too personal, depending on the person. Remember, don’t use the opportunity to cop a feel—after all, this blog is about chivalry!
This is Where the Meal Magic Happens
When you reach your table, don’t immediately take a seat. Instead, pull out her chair so that she may sit down first and then gently push her chair back into place. Also, regarding table manners, if your meal arrives first, wait for hers to arrive before you start eating. This is a very subtle gesture, but still important.
Get up, Stand up
If she needs to use the restroom while at the table, pause what you’re doing, stop eating and stand up when she gets up. Relax and sit back down while she’s gone. When she comes back, get up again, walk around the table and pull out the chair for her to sit.
The Right to Bear Arms
When escorting her from place to place, offer her your arm. It’s a kind and intimate act that can bring the date to the next level. Lending her your arm serves well for uneven walking surfaces and if she’s got on her first-date heels, your arm will serve good use!
You don’t have to follow the Knight’s Code or be a member of the round table to be chivalrous. These are all simple gestures that are easy to do but can go a long way. You can do as many as you like, depending on how comfortable you are, but if you start a relationship with respect, you sir, will be noble in love.