How to be a gentleman

1. Always open the door for a lady. Always! If you're in a crowd, hold the door open until another gentleman reaches for the door.

2. If a lady cannot find a seat in a crowded lecture hall, bus or coffee shop, for example, offer her your chair. Show the same courtesy to an older adult, to women with babies or small children, or to anyone carrying several bags.

3. Stay closer to the street when you're walking with a lady to protect her from mud-splashing vehicles and would-be attackers hiding between cars.

4. When you're eating with a lady, wait until she lifts her fork before you begin your meal. Do not inhale your food as soon as you sit down — and of course do not begin to eat before you are seated.

5. Offer to share your umbrella with a lady when she's caught off guard in the rain.

6. Always be polite! Showing common courtesy will almost immediately make you a gentleman. Treat people's feelings, situations and ideas with respect and consideration.

7. Do not make fun of a professor or a teaching assistant behind his or her back.

8. Do not curse, especially in the presence of a lady. Please use a word more descriptive and advanced than the F-word.

9. Do not stare. If a lady catches you staring longingly, she will instantly feel uncomfortable and awkward, which could hurt your chances with her, anyway. Furthermore, disgusted stares are rude, unkind and hurtful.

10. Never interrupt.

11. Help a lady put on her coat or cardigan.

12. When you are entertaining a lady, even if you are simply studying together, ask if she needs something to drink or eat, etc.

13. Do not spit in public.

14. If a lady is leaving on foot late at night, walk her home.

15. Never belittle a lady. Ladies, like gentlemen, deserve respect, but respect does not equal condescension. Do not talk down to a lady.

16. Do not send text messages while you are trying to impress a lady. Give her your undivided attention.

17. After a date, walk a lady from her door. Do not honk your horn or call or text a lady to let her know you've arrived.

18. Shake hands when you meet someone for the first time — and since your handshake is a reflection of your personality and character, shake hands firmly but not harshly.