What Are The Qualities Of A Lady Or Gentleman?

Question

In the movie Blast from the Past, Brendan Fraser's character remarks that a lady or gentleman always does their best to ensure that everyone around them is comfortable, or something very close to that. What, in your opinion, makes someone a lady or a gentleman? I am not talking about bloodlines, or money, or expensive clothing here. I am talking about what ordinary people can do to behave in an extraordinarily classy manner. Please explain your remarks, so I am able to clearly understand what you are saying.

Thank you.

Answer 1

A lady/gentleman makes sure not to publicly embarrass someone. They treat others as they would wish to be treated. When speaking to someone, they make eye contact and really listen. They think before they respond, so as not to affront the other person. Basically, act as though you are an ambassador, and every word you say carries responsibility for how others see you and who you represent.

Answer 2

I think Blast from the Past got it right, being a gentleman or a lady is all about showing courtesy to others, particularly those who are less priviledged than you. It involves a good understanding of the contstraints under which others may live their lives. However, it does not mean being a doormat for others, a gentleman/lady should be able to differentiate right from wrong, and stand up for the right.

Answer 3

Thanks for the question.
Good manners are a science and an art. What they are, is behaving in the most appropriate way (manner) and doing your best to be considerate. Good manners require two ingredients: exposure and desire. First, one must actually know what constitutes proper conduct; this may vary from situation to situation. Second, and I believe, most importantly, a person must actually care about others and want to do, not only what is right but, that which is best!
It is truly a lost art. Good manners start with language. Not only is profanity crude, rude and out of order, but any hostile, angry, aggressive, sexual, or racial language should be avoided. The test is, if you can't say it around your mother, grandmother, your children and whoever you admire most, you shouldn't say it at all.

Answer 4

I think the comment from "Blast From the Past" is correct. A gentleman makes people feel comfortable. I think that a gentleman holds the door open for people(especially women). He says please and thank you when appropriate. If he is sitting and a woman is standing he should offer the woman the seat. No cursing, smoking, spitting, or drinking around women and children. I think they should be polite in general. A gentleman has high standards of proper behavior.

Answer 5

One, regardless of the status of lady or gentleman, should strive to make others not uncomfortable. In plain language, you gotta respect folks and treat them just as you want to get treated. 'Kay? Please? Thank you.