Etiquette shmetiquette

This is probably a weird post for me since I never realized how big a deal this whole "being a man" really is. I got to go through my usual research and found an article that caught my attention. It focused entirely on being a man with etiquette. Wow! Here's my take on proper decorum... I think men are more manly with etiquette.

Knowing what to say...

... yeah sure, it's fun to go slang but sometimes it's not so good to have a limited vernacular. Go for the basics or even go for more. I highly suggest reading up. You have a wide selection of magazines, newspapers, novels and even biographies to build a better vocabulary.

Knowing the buzz...

... since we're on the topic of reading up, conversation is always key to knowing a person more keenly. If a person knows what's happening around him (i.e. news) it's a good indication that he's not self-centered. On this note, however, try to also accept new information when being spoken to. Try not to think you know everything, you just might surprise yourself.

Drop it...

... like I said, slang is not the norm. Catch phrases are fad-ish. Lessen usage of these phrases so you won't get into a conversation using words or phrases that are from 10s of seasons ago.

I hate to admit it...

... but going to the gym does produce wonders. You see, maintaining physical fitness shows a lot about you. It means you take care of yourself and you want to project your very best to people you normally see day-in and day-out. Note to yourself, also, that a good disposition will "surge endorphins" which make you seem like you just came from a weekend vacation in Boracay.

One funny thought...

... "cybersex is permissible as a masturbatory aid, not unlike the recent Falcon or Bel Ami videos you recently acquired, but under no circumstances should it be a substitute for the real thing."

On dating...

... if you asked for the date, foot the bill. It shows that you are responsible enough for your actions. He he he. It's also plus points for you to do so. Three words come in handy in this situation, "I got it." Make it a point to reassure your date that you are wholeheartedly offering your generosity and that you wouldn't have it any other way. You'll be getting a mental smile from your date immediately.

Past is past...

... never ever inquire about your date's past relationship/s. That's why they are called skeletons in the closet because they should always be in it (at least for the next year or so). Just concentrate on what is most important, the here and now. This will get your date marvelling at the fact that you're not too nosey and in turn won't do the same to you. I'm sure we all have deep dark pasts we'd want to hide for the meantime.

Work hard, drink hard...

... ever wonder what it's like to have a date with someone who's having a drink with a little umbrella in it? I'm sure you wouldn't find that the least bit appealing. Do the same, just go for the clean drinks. A nice vodka tonic is a safe and easy enough hard drink to start the night. Even better, go for a glass of wine (red or white, it's up to you).

Shake it baby, shake it...

... handshakes can give away impressions too. Quick tip, never go for a loosey-goosey grip. Firm and reassuring is always a winner.

Look 'em in the eye...

... not being able to look at someone directly in the eye could send out signals that you're hiding something. If you have noble intentions, what's wrong with doing a cornea to cornea session with the person you're talking to? You wouldn't want your integrity to be in doubt, would you?

That's all I got. It's all about yin and yang of being a man and having manners. It's sometimes tough to do both together, in harmony but know that this world can instantly come up with conclusions about you based on your manners. Don't worry about not getting all of this in one swing. You'll be able to evaluate if what you are doing is helping, this is done through interaction.

Know that what can you do makes sure impressions and conclusions of you are accurate and that people know the kind of man you really are.