Picking up Dropped Objects

I must admit this post follows as a direct result of my failure to observe it. Gentlemen, if a lady drops something, pick it up for her, especially if she is wearing a dress. Even if she goes for it too, pick it up; your chivalry will most likely be appreciated as it is the thought that counts. Make sure to avoid knocking heads, of course.

Spitting

Spitting is a dirty habit, as most of us know. It's unattractive and unsanitary, and should be avoided if possible. If you must spit, do not spit near people, face away from people when you do, and spit into an appropriate area. Trash cans are good, and if you spit into dirt or grass rub it out with your shoe. DO NOT SPIT ON PAVEMENT. Avoid making sounds while spitting, and never spit into the wind.

Noise in Libraries / General Respect for Rules

While it may seem obvious to keep noise levels down in libraries, I happen to be posting from one, and the guy across from me is playing metal at a ridiculous level. When in libraries, the only noise you should ever make is a whisper, which should be only barely audible to someone within a couple feet of you. Remember, there are other people there that would rather be paying attention to their book than to you; be considerate.

Wherever you are, obey all the rules associated with that place. Even if the rule seems or is stupid, somebody made it for a reason, and there are people who will expect you to obey it. Doing so will gain you respect and keep you from many embarrassing situations.

Holding Doors Open

Many men know to do this, but very few actually do. It may seem simple, but if a man holds doors open for ladies it makes him look like a gentleman, and holding it open for gentlemen as well makes him even more so. There are many rules for holding open doors for large groups, which I will (hopefully) eventually make a page of. If you're walking alongside or slightly behind a lady and approaching a door, speed up to get there in time to open it. If anyone is far enough behind you that the door wouldn't close before they got to it, then open it for them. This helps avoid the awkwardness that we all fear. If the person behind you has their hands full, then keep the door open for them, and bonus points for helping them carry it! If a large crowd is moving through a door, and someone has been holding the door for a good time, take the door from them and let them move along. If you're holding the door, you don't need to hold it for more than about 20 seconds at most, just make sure not to shut it on a lady, most men will take the hint if you let go of the door when they're next in line.

Funny how I couldn't find a color picture of this; what a shame.

Open car doors as well, especially if you are on a date. It will seem awkward at first when you get to the door as they begin to open it, but eventually the people with whom you interact will get used to the fact that they don't need to open their own door.

Walking a Lady Home

A gentleman never lets a lady walk home alone after dark. It's important, however, to make sure that she feels safer with you than without. When walking or driving a lady home, it is not appropriate to make any sort of advances, or she may feel like you are the kind of person you're supposed to be protecting her from. Keep up a conversation the entire time (small talk about the evening's happenings is a good topic); nobody likes to walk in silence. When you get to her door, a good night hug or kiss may be in order depending on your relationship (from my own experience, this is not generally an appropriate time for a first kiss).

The key is to make the lady feel safe. She should not feel uncomfortable or worried because of any of your words or actions. You're there to protect her, not to get closer to her. Also, make sure she makes it into her house before you leave.

FYI, guys, I can't find a single picture of this on Google, which is a crying shame. If anyone takes one or finds one, please send it to mannerman231@gmail.com

Keeping Intersections Clear / Special Stop Sign Rules

Caveat: I don't know the traffic laws of any country except the United States, so I don't know how or if the following applies anywhere else.

It's remarkable both how often I see this written on the street or on signs, and how often I see people fail to do so. When stopping at an intersection, a long enough line of cars will often extend past another intersection. Traffic can also cause this phenomenon. Don't go into an intersection unless there is room for you on the other side. There are a number of reasons for doing this. For instance, if there is a stoplight, you will probably still be stuck in the intersection when your light becomes red, and everyone else will have to wait for you to get out of their way.

If you are at an intersection like this:

Pardon the quality; I made it myself

and you are the red car, it is technically your right of way. However, if the traffic is moving slowly and the blue car would never have a chance to get in while following the standard rules, it is polite to stay out of the intersection and allow the blue car to advance (they may move forward on their own, but wave them if they don't). The cars should continue to advance as if merging; one car from the left, then one from the right, etc. Usually, traffic planners design intersections to avoid this problem, usually replacing the stop with a light, but often things like big events will cause unpredictable traffic problems.

Yawning

Yawning is often inevitable (I've already yawned six times trying to find a picture for this), and it is even culturally acceptable if certain rules are observed.

Rule 1: Cover up

No one wants to see the inside of your mouth. Make sure to cover your mouth when you yawn.

Rule 2: Shut up

Keep your yawns quiet! The only thing worse than someone yawning while you're talking is someone yawning loudly while you're talking. Only the people looking directly at you should even know you yawned.

Rule 3: Make up

If you yawn while someone's talking, they may interpret it as a sarcastic gesture indicating they are boring, or just believe they are putting you to sleep. If you yawn while someone is speaking, make sure to apologize or excuse yourself, and prod them to go on with what they were saying.