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Gentlemen! Gentlemen! Gentlemen!
Is urban living not crazy enough that we cannot take time to
afford others the gentlemanly virtue of a graciously accommodated egress? Remember your manners the next time you step
up to an elevator, a door, gate or any means of entry where you are entering
and others who are already inside are exiting; always allowing those inside to
exit first!
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On account of my assertive nature I too have sometimes allowed impatience and
insensitivity to tempt me with the potential effect of a most perverse
obstruction to my better judgment. But I
have nearly always triumphed over barbarity, gathering my manners and pulling
back just in time to rescue my imperiled virtue... Now more than ever I observe
those who should otherwise be the shining example of gentlemanliness sink to
the level of the most depraved vulgarian.
Why just today I was pushed back inside the elevator by an impatient
young Gavin charging into the out-coming crowd like a bull in heat! And anon, this time by what I thought could
have been a seasoned gentlemen, I was grazed by a hurried man as he squeezed
his way into the interstice between the door jamb and my comfort zone.
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Let me leave you with more than just the horror of these
indelicate urban adventures. As a rule
always allow those who are exiting to do so graciously before attempting to
enter. A gentleman will stand to the
side completely so that he is not blocking any portion of the width of the
means of egress. He makes a point of
standing well-poised at the side looking calmly ahead as if unencumbered by
haste. A gentleman is not to be expected
to open the door for outgoing pedestrian traffic as if he were a doorman and
that is why he will patiently stand to the side allowing the crowd to completely
filter out before attempting to enter. A
man who insists on holding the door for strangers as if delighting in the idea
that he is performing a good deed to be clearly observed by others is a
buffoon, that is the work of a doorman and it is vulgar for a gentleman to
assume the duties of a doorman or porter or any service staff employed for the
purpose of facilitating the public; it is disrespectful to the seasoned art of
their craft. If when entering a
building or portal a gentleman
encounters a mature, elderly and distinguished
lady or gentleman as they are exiting he may pull the door open without
making it a formal gesture, nodding if he is thanked whereupon he may safely
enter.
Manners are most effective when they are administered with
discretion, honor and humility. And even
though we often encounter those who are not possessed of these gentlemanly
virtues it is decidedly impolite to make them aware of their vulgarity
especially as a condescension. As a
gentleman you have no authority to publicly judge anyone, real judges get paid
to do render this task but limit their opinions to the courtroom! Set an example by being an example. And always remember these simple rules of
entering for they will serve you well.
fin
Written by Bigdaddy Blues
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