WHERE HAVE ALL THE SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN GONE?

Okay, Rhett was a Rogue Gentleman...
Where have all the Rhett Butler's and Ashley Wilkes gone y'all? Do men not know how to behave in public anymore? Do y'all think manners are alive in the South or are they Gone With the Wind?

Andy Griffith certainly portrayed the epitome of a Southern gentleman in his role as Sheriff Andy, of Mayberry. He totally honored and respected his girlfriend Helen and his Aunt Bea.
Southern politicians, sports figures, and other celebrities are in the spotlight daily...exhibiting tacky and disgusting behavior. Thankfully, there are still mamas in the South who teach their sons manners...social and dining skills...how to behave in public and how to treat others. These two famous Manning brothers certainly honor their parents with their exemplary behavior.

It's so important that boys are taught proper social etiquette and also dining etiquette at a young age. These are skills they can use now and for the rest of their lives.

Here's a few etiquette skills practiced by Southern gentlemen:

~A gentleman always addresses a lady with "Yes ma'am/no ma'am."...no exceptions to this rule!

~A gentleman respects his elders...always!
~A gentleman is modest and humble...a very enduring trait.

~A gentleman never refers to a lady as a woman...that would be "common."

~A gentleman behaves himself in public...'cuz he knows if he doesn't, people will think he wasn't raised right!...and people talk.
~Gentlemen respect their Mamas...if he doesn't, get rid of him real quick--'cuz he'll never respect you either!
~When going up an escalator, a gentleman stands behind the lady; when going down the escalator, he stands in front of the lady...to protect her should she fall.
~When entering an elevator in the company of a lady, a gentleman goes first to clear the way. When exiting, the person closest to the door goes first, regardless of gender, and holds the door open for others.
~A gentleman procedes a lady when walking down stairs...again, to protect her should she fall.
~A gentleman offers to carry packages for a lady...my husband has been my schlepper for many years!
~When in public, a gentleman defers to older persons, male or female...shows respect!
~A gentleman always serves a lady first, before serving himself...always!

~A gentleman does not spit in public...certainly NOT in the company of ladies.
~A gentleman always pulls out the chair for a lady...this is SO important!

~A gentleman is expected to open a door for a lady...it would be ever-so rude not to!
~A gentleman offers to carry a lady's lipstick in his pocket...very sweet thing to do.
~A gentleman offers his coat to a lady when she's cold...of course.
~When dealing with a lady who doesn't accept his courtesies gracefully, a gentleman considers her unpleasantness as a failing on her part, not his!...Amen!

Compliment. Compliment. Compliment. Make the ladies swoon gents!