Willingness is something very important to keep in mind, but unfortunately, there isn't a lot to say about it. I could go on about some ways to be willing, but that sounds boring, so I'll leave it at that.
Anyway, today's post is about the aspects of willingness. The first one is self-control. There's a difference between being willing to try something new and going all out, trying everything you can get your hands on. That can go downhill way too fast, and get our new gentlemen into a ton of trouble. A fine line in gentlemanhood is figuring out where the boundaries are, and knowing when it's okay to cross them and when it's not. Trying a new restaurant? Good thing. Attempting to walk a tightrope three miles in the air? Not a bright idea. Gentlemen aren't addicted to adrenaline. Swooping in to rescue the fair maiden happens in movies, my friends. If it's in real life, I applaud the effort and root for your success. But don't be disappointed if your princess is in another castle.
The second aspect is purity in language. Not all girls like bad boys, and even the hardest heart can be melted by a man who can use choice words without swearing. Now, I'm not out to curb anybody's tongue and tell them that they're speaking incorrectly. To each their own. I'm nobody's teacher and I'm not your mama -- the way you talk is your business. This one is less of a rule and more of trait. But really... nobody expects a gentleman in a tux to be dropping f-bombs all the time, do they?
The last aspect is more of an all-around good idea and rule for gentlemen. It's called honesty. I know. It's old fashioned and assumed and "I already do that" and all sorts of things. But here's the bottom line, gentlemen: honesty is in. Lying, cheating, back-stabbing, secrets, and misconduct are all out. No good. Washed up. Maybe they got the attention of some bad boy loving girls a while ago, but if you're going to be a gentleman, they don't have a place any more.
Go be a gentleman today.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
What Makes a Gentleman: Part 2
Welcome back, gentlemen of all ages! Prepare yourself, for now we head into General Part Two: Willingness.
Yeah, I know. Willingness?
Think about it, though. A lot of guys just don't want to be gentlemen. Why? Because that requires breaking out of a shell. Becoming somebody is hard. I don't want to put that down at all. It's difficult. It requires taking a stand, and some people don't like doing that. Being different is hard in the world that we live in, because one of two things can happen:
It's a failure, and you're crazy.
It's a success, and you're a genius.
It's all in the outcome of the plan. Plan accordingly, and you won't be crazy today.
It's surprisingly important to be willing when becoming a gentleman, and just as valuable as a gentleman. When becoming a gentleman, it requires bravery and willingness to take a step. And as long as you've taken a step, you're getting places. Kudos to you!
Once you've achieved gentleman status, it takes willingness to stay that way. Remember, one of the aspects of a gentleman is adaptability. If you lose your willingness, then you lose one key of gentlemanship. You can't adapt unwillingly. That only means you get crabby and drag your feet. You don't have to agree and adapt with everything all the time, because that's not gentlemanship. That's conformity. But adaptability does have its place when you learn how to use it.
I know this one's not too long, but it doesn't seem to need anything else right now. So go forth, gentlemen! Make somebody's day today.
Yeah, I know. Willingness?
Think about it, though. A lot of guys just don't want to be gentlemen. Why? Because that requires breaking out of a shell. Becoming somebody is hard. I don't want to put that down at all. It's difficult. It requires taking a stand, and some people don't like doing that. Being different is hard in the world that we live in, because one of two things can happen:
It's a failure, and you're crazy.
It's a success, and you're a genius.
It's all in the outcome of the plan. Plan accordingly, and you won't be crazy today.
It's surprisingly important to be willing when becoming a gentleman, and just as valuable as a gentleman. When becoming a gentleman, it requires bravery and willingness to take a step. And as long as you've taken a step, you're getting places. Kudos to you!
Once you've achieved gentleman status, it takes willingness to stay that way. Remember, one of the aspects of a gentleman is adaptability. If you lose your willingness, then you lose one key of gentlemanship. You can't adapt unwillingly. That only means you get crabby and drag your feet. You don't have to agree and adapt with everything all the time, because that's not gentlemanship. That's conformity. But adaptability does have its place when you learn how to use it.
I know this one's not too long, but it doesn't seem to need anything else right now. So go forth, gentlemen! Make somebody's day today.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Attributes: Part 2
Part 2 of the Attribute section names some of the traits a gentleman must master. These aren't easy, so don't just assume that you can get up and have them. Like any trait, you need to learn it and then level it up. (Hint hint nudge nudge, gamers.) But don't be afraid to go for it -- pull together your courage and make it happen. I'm reminded of a quote from a mushy movie I watched once: "All it takes is twenty seconds of crazy, unbelievable courage." Make something new happen today. Twenty seconds could change your life.
So, traits of a gentleman -- this section has sat on my computer for several days as I contemplated how to write it. But here's what I decided, and if you want more fact than opinion, then go ahead and skip this part. These are some of the traits that I look for in a gentleman, and I think that some other girls do, too... especially in the gaming realm.
Ready?
Here we go.
Thoughtfulness is a huge one. I know, I know, thoughtfulness isn't manly. You know what else isn't thought of as manly? Ballroom dancing. You'd be surprised how many dates it gets you.
Thoughtfulness isn't something that girls would put down on a list of things they like in a guy, but it's one of the biggest turn-ons ever. Remember the age-old "turning up on the doorstep with flowers in hand" for a date? It's not because we like flowers. We don't want chocolate for the sake of Valentine's Day. We want you to remember that we're pretty, and be able to tell us so without sounding like a suck-up. The more compliments used during a date equals amount of points out of favor after around... ten. So, in an equation, this reads:
If c=compliments, and p=points, then:
c > 10 = -(p)
Just something to keep in mind.
There are two other traits that are subs under thoughtfulness, too. These are patience and gentleness. It's not very often you meet a gentle guy. This is another one of those "unmanly" things -- are you noticing a trend? Maybe the guys that stand out are the ones that girls will go for, the ones that are gentle instead of bros, thoughtful instead of hard-headed, and meaningful with compliments instead of sounding like a sleaze.
Patience makes you stand out as an individual. Here in the U.S., especially, there's a problem with running life too quickly. Your worth is measured as how many things you get done in a day, and that shouldn't be the way gentlemanship is approached. That's what makes it so special. That's why gentlemen and gentlewomen stand out -- because they're not rushed. They're kind. They're patient. They're gentle, and thoughtful. They're like awesome presents wrapped up in shiny paper with sparkly bows. They're eye-catching and day-making. And you can be, too.
Go for it. Make someone's day.
It'll make you a happier you.
So, traits of a gentleman -- this section has sat on my computer for several days as I contemplated how to write it. But here's what I decided, and if you want more fact than opinion, then go ahead and skip this part. These are some of the traits that I look for in a gentleman, and I think that some other girls do, too... especially in the gaming realm.
Ready?
Here we go.
Thoughtfulness is a huge one. I know, I know, thoughtfulness isn't manly. You know what else isn't thought of as manly? Ballroom dancing. You'd be surprised how many dates it gets you.
Thoughtfulness isn't something that girls would put down on a list of things they like in a guy, but it's one of the biggest turn-ons ever. Remember the age-old "turning up on the doorstep with flowers in hand" for a date? It's not because we like flowers. We don't want chocolate for the sake of Valentine's Day. We want you to remember that we're pretty, and be able to tell us so without sounding like a suck-up. The more compliments used during a date equals amount of points out of favor after around... ten. So, in an equation, this reads:
If c=compliments, and p=points, then:
c > 10 = -(p)
Just something to keep in mind.
There are two other traits that are subs under thoughtfulness, too. These are patience and gentleness. It's not very often you meet a gentle guy. This is another one of those "unmanly" things -- are you noticing a trend? Maybe the guys that stand out are the ones that girls will go for, the ones that are gentle instead of bros, thoughtful instead of hard-headed, and meaningful with compliments instead of sounding like a sleaze.
Patience makes you stand out as an individual. Here in the U.S., especially, there's a problem with running life too quickly. Your worth is measured as how many things you get done in a day, and that shouldn't be the way gentlemanship is approached. That's what makes it so special. That's why gentlemen and gentlewomen stand out -- because they're not rushed. They're kind. They're patient. They're gentle, and thoughtful. They're like awesome presents wrapped up in shiny paper with sparkly bows. They're eye-catching and day-making. And you can be, too.
Go for it. Make someone's day.
It'll make you a happier you.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Artributes: Part One
Before I get into the next part, I have a question:
What makes a gentleman to you? Who do you want to be? If you close your eyes, what pops up into your mind?
Okay, that was more than one question. Sorry.
Here are some that occurred to me:
-Sherlock Holmes
-a top hat
-a walking cane
-tea
-a calm speaking tone
-truthfulness
-gentleness
-kindness
Surprised? A gentleman isn't all knowledge and experiences. There are some attributes that go with the title as well. I'll try to do this for each section, but for this part, what attributes should be discussed for Knowledge?
For some, with knowledge and experiences comes a sense of superiority, because of all of the things that you've seen that no one else has. That's something you'll want to cut down on, because nobody likes an uppity dandy. The best gentlemen share their knowledge with a graceful touch, like they were imparting the greatest of treasure, silver and gold worth fortune. Your knowledge should be a treasure to you. Expand on it, and it'll make you proud.
I mentioned in an earlier post that I'd talk about Learning. Well, Learning is classified here as anything you can get out of a book. That's not the official definition, but it's the more realistic way to go about describing it, at least for me. Whereas Knowledge is one of the Things that Make a Gentleman Awesome, Learning is one step below that, because courage is so important. Almost anyone can pick up a book and decide to read it, but it takes a special sort of person to be able to actually want to go do things. That being said, Learning is also very important, because without Learning, you won't be able to increase Knowledge. These, too, are attributes that go hand in hand.
If you rewind a bit through the posts, you'll see where I wrote about being adventurous and the first post about learning. Well, there's another word that describes both of these things, and it's under Knowledge, too -- Adaptability. Adaptability happens when Learning and Knowledge meet up with Adventure, they all go out for a drink, and have headaches in the morning. Whatever plans they had will have to be changed. Adaptability helps Learning, Knowledge and Adventure work together so that they can change life for the better, either for you or someone else.
Keep that in mind the next time something goes wrong.
What makes a gentleman to you? Who do you want to be? If you close your eyes, what pops up into your mind?
Okay, that was more than one question. Sorry.
Here are some that occurred to me:
-Sherlock Holmes
-a top hat
-a walking cane
-tea
-a calm speaking tone
-truthfulness
-gentleness
-kindness
Surprised? A gentleman isn't all knowledge and experiences. There are some attributes that go with the title as well. I'll try to do this for each section, but for this part, what attributes should be discussed for Knowledge?
For some, with knowledge and experiences comes a sense of superiority, because of all of the things that you've seen that no one else has. That's something you'll want to cut down on, because nobody likes an uppity dandy. The best gentlemen share their knowledge with a graceful touch, like they were imparting the greatest of treasure, silver and gold worth fortune. Your knowledge should be a treasure to you. Expand on it, and it'll make you proud.
I mentioned in an earlier post that I'd talk about Learning. Well, Learning is classified here as anything you can get out of a book. That's not the official definition, but it's the more realistic way to go about describing it, at least for me. Whereas Knowledge is one of the Things that Make a Gentleman Awesome, Learning is one step below that, because courage is so important. Almost anyone can pick up a book and decide to read it, but it takes a special sort of person to be able to actually want to go do things. That being said, Learning is also very important, because without Learning, you won't be able to increase Knowledge. These, too, are attributes that go hand in hand.
If you rewind a bit through the posts, you'll see where I wrote about being adventurous and the first post about learning. Well, there's another word that describes both of these things, and it's under Knowledge, too -- Adaptability. Adaptability happens when Learning and Knowledge meet up with Adventure, they all go out for a drink, and have headaches in the morning. Whatever plans they had will have to be changed. Adaptability helps Learning, Knowledge and Adventure work together so that they can change life for the better, either for you or someone else.
Keep that in mind the next time something goes wrong.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Adventure
Knowledge is courage and experience. Does anything else fall under this category?
In a moment of Old Spiceness, there is one more thing:
Courage + Experience = Knowledge
Courage + Experience = Adventure
Therefore, Knowledge = Adventure.
In a sense, the whole road to becoming a gentleman is an adventure. However, in order to tackle the life around you with the attitude of a gentleman, you will need all the things that knowledge provides, including a sense of adventure. Now, that doesn't mean that you should immediately pack your bags for the African savannah and try to wrestle a lion, or pull out your Indiana Jones hat and practice cracking a whip while on your way to an archeological dig. Adventure isn't all film and actresses -- it's a satisfaction with what you have found in life, and daring to continue after whatever else you desire. It's the knowledge that there's something else out there, and choosing to find out what it is. Adventure doesn't have to be guns and spies; it doesn't have to deal with beautiful women fawning over you in a club. That's the adventure that some men choose, but very few are able to keep up such a life. Any event can be an adventure if you make it so -- it all depends on how you view the task before you.
The adventurers in movies spend a lot of time in stark terror and running on adrenaline. While this isn't the most healthy way to be adventurous in real life, that is what a lot of people see a normal adventure as.
So they're not adventurous. And then they look back on life and ask, "Where did I go wrong? What else could I have done?"
Answer: everything.
Why try to do everything?
Why not?
What's holding you back from your adventure, gentleman?
In a moment of Old Spiceness, there is one more thing:
Courage + Experience = Knowledge
Courage + Experience = Adventure
Therefore, Knowledge = Adventure.
In a sense, the whole road to becoming a gentleman is an adventure. However, in order to tackle the life around you with the attitude of a gentleman, you will need all the things that knowledge provides, including a sense of adventure. Now, that doesn't mean that you should immediately pack your bags for the African savannah and try to wrestle a lion, or pull out your Indiana Jones hat and practice cracking a whip while on your way to an archeological dig. Adventure isn't all film and actresses -- it's a satisfaction with what you have found in life, and daring to continue after whatever else you desire. It's the knowledge that there's something else out there, and choosing to find out what it is. Adventure doesn't have to be guns and spies; it doesn't have to deal with beautiful women fawning over you in a club. That's the adventure that some men choose, but very few are able to keep up such a life. Any event can be an adventure if you make it so -- it all depends on how you view the task before you.
The adventurers in movies spend a lot of time in stark terror and running on adrenaline. While this isn't the most healthy way to be adventurous in real life, that is what a lot of people see a normal adventure as.
So they're not adventurous. And then they look back on life and ask, "Where did I go wrong? What else could I have done?"
Answer: everything.
Why try to do everything?
Why not?
What's holding you back from your adventure, gentleman?
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