As the world becomes increasingly grumpy, the courteous gentleman has the opportunity not only to make a difference in the lives of others, but also to distinguish himself.

Here are some thoughts (notes-to-self, really) on being that kind of man.

An easy and underrated part of gentlemanly courtesy is simply being happy upon seeing friends, acquaintances, family--and showing it.

Nothing worse than the low energy man who cannot muster enough enthusiasm to greet people warmly.

— The Chivalry Guild (@ChivalryGuild) August 19, 2021

The gentleman knows that all his conversations are opportunities--to make connections, to learn from and about others, to master the art.

So he does his best to be engaged in all of them, never going on autopilot, never wishing he was elsewhere, never checking his phone.

— The Chivalry Guild (@ChivalryGuild) September 8, 2021

At a ball, it was considered very gentlemanly to dance now and then with ladies who weren't in high demand.

The principle still applies even if we don't do balls anymore. Treating the overlooked among us with courtesy is Chad behavior. pic.twitter.com/0O1h6hOSEc

— The Chivalry Guild (@ChivalryGuild) September 3, 2021

It is chivalrous to learn people's names and to greet them by name--especially people often overlooked (janitors, maintenance men, receptionists, etc).

Such habits set a man apart.

— The Chivalry Guild (@ChivalryGuild) April 25, 2021

A real man can withstand a forceful critique, determine whether there's truth to it, and set about to correct himself if necessary. He doesn\u2019t automatically turn defensive just because someone finds fault with him. pic.twitter.com/9rbAATPv2T

— The Chivalry Guild (@ChivalryGuild) September 13, 2021

It is highly ungentlemanly to deflect a compliment that someone offers. Don't downplay it. Don't do the fake humility thing. Don't explain why the person shouldn't be complimenting you.

Just smile and say thank you.

— The Chivalry Guild (@ChivalryGuild) September 16, 2021

Gentlemanly courtesy--
Rather than just saying "Thank you," it's almost always better and warmer and more charming to say "Thank you for _____." The specificity makes a world of difference!

— The Chivalry Guild (@ChivalryGuild) September 11, 2021

Lord Chesterfield advised his son to never dismiss others as boring.

Even if those you are talking to are not the most engaging, a good conversationalist will take upon himself the challenge of drawing the best out of them, remembering that everyone has something to teach him.

— The Chivalry Guild (@ChivalryGuild) August 14, 2021

I often hear the following:
- "Bro, I hate small talk."
- "Small talk is so pointless."
- "I don't want to go to a place where I'll be expected to make small talk."

And I have a few thoughts:

First, if a man despises small talk, it\u2019s probably because he\u2019s bad at it.

— The Chivalry Guild (@ChivalryGuild) August 27, 2021

The chivalrous gentleman must take care never to overstay his welcome at dinners or parties.

Well-timed exits show courtesy, grace, and decisiveness--and leave a man's hosts eager to have him over again. A great art to develop.

— The Chivalry Guild (@ChivalryGuild) June 19, 2021