Date night

Arguably a date is the situation where the gentleman’s capability to live up to that name is most keenly tested. It is the arena where the fusion of the modern and traditional sides of chivalry combine. And it has it’s challenges. Oh lord does it have it’s challenges. Some things which were once chivalrous are now archaic. Some are sweet to one date while being offensive to another. Any man who can successfully navigate an evening without putting a step wrong is either lying or has had far too much practice. To quote that great philosophical mind Baz Luhrmann, my advice comes only from my own, meandering experience.

> Walk road side > Pick her up > Don’t be late > If you are going to dinner: have booked in advance, know where you are going, pick quickly - reading a menu is not a sociable activity > Be prepared to pay, be prepared not to > Speak your mind - no one likes a pushover > Aim to open doors and let your date lead. Don’t insist > Be flexible. Find the line between what you think is right and what they find comfortable > Read the signs. For the love of god pay attention to body language, tone and topic. This above all else.

Originally posted April 11, 2016.