Gentlemen Appreciation Post

It doesn't take much to brighten a day.  Little things can be hugely encouraging.  Unexpected courtesies can bring a smile and a sense of fellowship.

It's cliche.  But the fact remains that a man opening a door for a lady is a pleasant surprise.  I don't know if guys realize just how much girls like that.  When I'm with certain people, I know that I won't be touching any door knobs.  It's a little thing, but it makes me smile.  I have a different level of respect for those men.  It demonstrates that they thought ahead.

One of my cousins is particularly good at walking between me and potential hazards.  When we're walking and we're approached by a stranger, he will actually switch sides to walk between me and the stranger.  It sounds small, but it demonstrates that he cares enough to watch out for me.

Then there's guys who carry things for us - I'm still learning to appreciate that one.  I think I'm not alone when I say that it can be difficult to accept that kind of help.  I can bait my own hook, load my own gun, and carry my own groceries, thank you very much - I wasn't raised to be a shelf ornament!  But it's worth it to learn to gracefully accept help.  I'm learning that it's not that guys think you can't, they just know you shouldn't have to.  It's another demonstration of their care.

Another under-used courtesy is eye contact, a smile, and a "hello!"  It makes it 10 hundred times easier to be a lady when a man has communicated that he's not afraid of you.  A handshake is a major plus, as well.  I have a friend who is particularly good at this one - a simple greeting to break the ice.

Then there's little, quirky things that might be unique to specific individuals, but are still manifestations of gentlemanliness.  I have a friend who tips his hat to people.  It's fantastic.  A cousin who always makes sure people's tires are properly filled.  It's very endearing.  A friend who still pulls out chairs for ladies.  Why did men stop doing that??

Or how 'bout a young man who is watching a movie which he already seen with a lady who is watching it for the first time.  He knows from previous conversations that she's not a fan of gratuitous violence.  Part way through the film he tells her that there's a scene that she won't like and he'll tell her when to look away.  About 5 minutes later, he tells her to look away.  She's just about to ask if it's noisy, because she doesn't like hearing violence, either, when he gets up and mutes the TV for the duration of the problem scene.  True story.  It would be great for any guy to be that tuned in to a lady.  But this young man is 11.  I was floored.

So to all the gentlemen I know, Thank You.  We do actually notice when you go out of your way to be courteous.

To the gals, thank the gentlemen you know.  Remember that it takes effort and forethought for them to be gentlemen.