Article I wrote for Nupe: http://nupe.co.uk/keeping-chivalry-alive/
Image is a big thing. It’s not just how we dress; it’s how we carry ourselves, it’s the little things. Women notice little things that we don’t even think about subconsciously. It’s 2013 and I’d love to see guys do better. Especially in their wooing of a lady. But there are things we do, that kill the courtship dance. They may not kill it entirely, but these things can leave you more single than a mis-packaged Twix bar and you don’t even know it. Here’s a few do’s and dont’s to help you out when you’re going for food. These moves are tailored, so listen and learn wisely.
When taking your lady friend to wine and dine, let her sit down first. Don’t do that silly pull out her chair move; it’s dry and corny. But in letting her get comfortable first, it looks a bit more polite. The waiter/waitress serving you is in charge of your food and drink. Just because your using their services, it does not mean that you should treat them in any bad way. A smile, remembering their name, or asking their opinion on a dish will get you kudos from the waiter/waitress and will make you look like a nice guy in front of your lady friend. When given the menu, do not breathe out loud or sigh in relief. Anything you do that isn’t speech, will be in recognition of the prices and she knows it. So it’s best if you take it to her and ask, “Is anything there you like?”
When your food comes, DO NOT start eating until she has. I don’t care how hungry you are; you don’t want to ruin your gentleman factor. DO NOT tuck your napkin into your collar. This is not a Tom and Jerry cartoon and this is not the norm. You’ll look silly, so lay your napkin down on your lap. (I had a friend that actually did this once) I don’t need to tell you during the meal to keep your mouth closed when chewing or slurping your drink or no toilet humor jokes. You should be old enough to know all this by now, so here’s a few tips to keep it going. For the classy amongst us, if you buy a bottle of wine the waiter/waitress will present the bottle to you. Show a touch of class and look at the label of the bottle. You don’t have to know the country, the year, types of grapes, or if its dry and so forth, just make it look like you know.
When you finish your meal, put your knife and fork together. And this is the big decider guys. Do not have a Velcro wallet. I’ve said this in an earlier post. Velcro wallets are tasteless and okay if you’re in primary school. A grown man has a leather wallet, not exploding with both cards and change. No one wants to see you pull out a booklet of a wallet and shuffle through your Waterstones, Body Shop (oops) or Costa coffee card to get to your debit card. And finally DO NOT, for the love of all things chivalrous, take out any discount vouchers. It makes you look cheap. If its an expensive place, then maybe next time have a cheaper place in mind.
Hopefully, these pointers, in the eyes of your lady friend should make you look as gentlemanly as Sean Connery or Michael Caine. Just don’t blow it!
Walnut Rabbit 