Being a Gentleman never goes out of fashion. If you really want to impress of the first, or thirtieth date, here are some time tested tips that will charm your lady and hopefully reflect the man you are or aspire to be. For the woman, it will be a welcome relief to meet a man who exudes chivalry and the classic charm they only read about.
PICK HER UP AND NEVER BE LATE
When going out on a date, especially early on in the courting, insist on picking her up from home. Apart from making you look and feel more like a man, it will immediately create a connection between you, as you've now essentially visited her home, and sets up a nice precedence for future dates. Be sure to walk her from her front door to your car, and vice versa on the return voyage.
OPEN DOORS FOR HER
But do it smoothly. Do it as if you do it for any lady, not just her. The greatest misstep her is to make it awkward, act like it's no big deal and that any lady deserves to have doors opened for her.
FLOWERS
Not on the first date, but randomly send her a subtle bouquet of flowers to let her know you're thinking of her. Very few ladies would be turned off by this act, and it also stamps you with the seal of approval from her colleagues if sent to her work.
STAY CURBSIDE
When walking with her on the streets, always stay nearest to traffic. Not that your body will stop a thundering out of control car, but it is a subtle gesture of protection.
COMPLIMENT HER
Be spontaneous and casual. You don't want it to seem like you've had a pre planned "you look pretty" compliment on standby. Wait for the opportune moment, notice something you like about her, and let her know.
MAKE THE FIRST MOVE
Without going into too much detail, you must be the man and control the situation. As much as some women would had to admit it, the majority do prefer a man who is in control and confident.
GIVE HER YOUR ARM
Walking in heels in particular is hard work (so I'm told). Lending her your arm is less confronting as going in for the hand hold early on, but does create that contact while also helping her down stairs or situations that call for it.
PULL OUT HER CHAIR
Again, be subtle and act like you do it all the time. Don't make it awkward by standing there with the chair out, or by rushing across the table at the last moment when she is about to sit down.
ATTENTION UNDIVIDED
Gentlemen, this is a no brainer. Your phone should be off or face down at a meal especially. If it is on, ignore all messages, calls and notifications. Eye contact is paramount, and at that moment, she is the most important person in your world.
PAY
For the first few dates in particular, make sure you have enough cash on hand to avoid embarrassment. Take preemptive action when paying to avoid any uncomfortable moments when the bill arrives. Examples here would be to pre-purchase tickets if going to a film or show, paying the bill when she uses the rest room, and so on.
REMOVE SUNGLASSES
If on a day date, take off your glasses when engaging in conversation. You talk with your eyes as much as your words, and having sunglasses on can be cold.
ENTER CABS FIRST
This can at first be seen as counter intuitive, but if you're both entering from the side walk, and she is wearing a dress, don't force her to slide across the whole back seat.
-rbjs
