Each One, Teach One

Once upon a time, it seemed like every guy knew the rules of chivalry. Chivalry was gospel, a time-tested code of conduct for men passed down from generation to generation. From the time we were boys, we knew it was polite to open doors for... our dates and offer up our seats to women on a crowded bus. Unfortunately, somewhere along the line, we forgot how to be chivalrous. We forgot the rules and the procedures for treating women properly. As a result, there’s little courtesy left in courtship anymore.

Luckily, there are at least a few guys out there who remember what it means to be a Gentleman, and each of these guys can teach us something about impressing women. So take a moment and review these chivalry lessons from modern day Gentlemen.

Be attentive

You might be surprised that we’d include Ashton Kutcher on our list of modern gentlemen. You probably still think of him as the numskull from That '70s Show. But credit where credit’s due: Kutcher is dating arguably the hottest cougar on the planet, Demi Moore. And how Kutcher keeps Demi happy is instructive. He can often be seen holding her hand, helping her into a car, and doing all the things that a chivalrous guy does. You don’t score a woman like Demi by being inconsiderate. Chivalry means paying attention to details. Open doors. Pull out her chair. Make your date feel like a lady and show her that you’re a man or, more specifically, a Gentleman.

Manners

Chivalry is all about treating others with respect, especially women. That’s why practicing good manners is such an important component of chivalry. Think about it: When a guy chews with his mouth full or forgets to say “please” and “thank you” he not only looks like a Neanderthal, but he’s also telling people that he doesn’t care about anybody but himself. It’s fundamentally disrespectful.

Something as simple as being polite shows a woman that you care what she thinks; you’ll be attentive to her needs and her desires. That’s a turn-on for women. It’s also likely one of the reasons Matthew McConaughey was named People magazine’s sexiest man alive in 2005. McConaughey makes good manners sexy. The man exudes Southern charm and women love him for it.

Romantic gestures

David Beckham provides us with the third of our chivalry lessons from legendary gentlemen. In case you haven’t heard, Beckham has become the poster boy for extravagant romantic gestures. He once purchased a ruby and diamond pendant for his wife Victoria Beckham worth an estimated $2.4 million

For his wife's 33rd birthday, Beckham bought Posh a $340,000 painting, and flew her to Paris in a private jet where they spent the night at the Paris Ritz at an estimated $12,000 a night. But fear not, you don’t need to “spend it like Beckham” in order to show your girl you care. Writing “I love you” on a post-it note or calling her unexpectedly in the middle of the day qualifies as a romantic gesture too. The million dollar gift may win her admiration, But it’s the million dollar thought that will win her heart.

Defend her honor

Part of being chivalrous is communicating to your partner that you can protect her, that you’ll stand up for her and her interests. Now, this does not mean you have to punch strangers in the street. However, it does mean that you take her side in arguments (even if you don’t always agree with her). It also means that you treat her with respect in public. Through your words and actions you demonstrate to her, and to others, how you expect her to be treated. Above all, you want to project an aura of calmness and confidence. You want to be the guy that women feel safe around. As an illustrative example, think of a guy like Clive Owen. There’s something about the way Owen carries himself that instills confidence. You know just looking at him that he’s not a guy to be trifled with.

Be a good sport
The chivalrous guy knows how to give and take a joke. He can and will compete -- he’ll give his all -- but he won’t be a poor sport when he loses and he won’t gloat when he wins. This chivalry lesson is perhaps best embodied by Gentleman and tennis star, Roger Federer.

Federer is arguably the greatest tennis player of all time. The Swiss star has won 16 Grand Slam titles. And not only has he won the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Player of the Year Award five times, but he’s also won the ATP Sportsmanship Award six years running. Well, to my sadness, he was not successful in the past weeks events, but the way he carried himself with a smile on his face and a song in his heart, you would guess he was the victorious one. And in the eyes of admirers, he was. Women don’t want to date a whiner or a braggart. They want to know you’re going to be gracious in victory or defeat. And in that moment, the true victory prize will be yours… Her.

A CLASS IN CLASS

None of the items on our list of chivalry lessons from legendary Gentlemen can be considered rocket science. There’s nothing groundbreaking here. Just some sensible tips that guys too often forget. Remembering them will definitely set you apart from the masses.