Hi Moo. My input is this...Good manners above all. Good manners in any situation short of having ones life threatened. It costs nothing to give and makes for a better day for you and everyone you've come across. Every man should own a book of etiquette, preferrable one printed in the 1960's or before, and read it and make it a daily practice. I saw a documentary recently called 'Rude', and in it, there was a woman known as 'Miss Manners'. It was sad when she stated that even in the 1950's & 60's people were rude even then, but it is far far worse today. (watch online here>
http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/doczone/2008/rude/) As we are defenders of dressing well, or even dandyism (tradional or modern) then I believe it is also a worthy cause to include good manners at all times. Etiquette should come naturally, but does require study and effort. Words like 'please' and 'thank you'. Holding a door open for a woman. Giving a seat on the bus or train to an older woman, elderly woman or pregnant woman (or even an elderly pregnant woman.... ..beat you to it..) to me, are a few important measures of gentlemanly conduct.
