Modern Gentleman

Mark Merrill lists eight things that he believes every father should teach his son:

1. Be a gentleman.
2. Honour parents.
3. Respect women.
4. Have integrity.
5. Be responsible.
6. Work hard.
7. Love others.
8. Love God.

Would you agree with his list?  Why or why not?  How about the order?

(Personally, I think that "love God" should be #1, and "love others" should be #2.  My reason is Jesus' words in Matthew 22:36-40.  I think Mark's other points are relevant also, but those two points should come first.  The other six points are kind of contained within these two, but the specific application to gentlemen need to be taught.)

Should all men be gentlemen?  What do women expect?  What does society expect?

Many say that chivalry is dead.  Sometimes they say this jokingly.  Sometimes they say this lamenting the good old days when men were more gentlemanly.  But John Picciuto points out that women's expectations have changed also.  No longer do they expect to be invited out to dinner or for men to get to know them deeply in this age of 140-character sms and tweets.  So when men are being nice, they can be easily misunderstood as being interested in a big way.

Do you think so?

How can we avoid such misunderstandings these days?  Shouldn't men be chivalrous anymore?

What do you think?  Why?

7 things women should know about relationships

A list I saw in the "Relevant" magazine said that women should know the following things about their potential partners:

• Your love isn't going to change him.  Love him for who he is - not who you wish him to be.  Otherwise, you are going to be disappointed.
• Men want to feel needed.  He won't be there for you if you don't need him.
• He already has a mother.  You don't need to be a second one to him.
• Look for a life-time commitment.  Not just one that gets fleeting attention.
• Manipulation will sour the relationship.  Eventually.
• Men are not mind-readers.  Tell him what you want him to know.  Tell him directly.
• He is not your last chance.  There is likely to be others.

Does the list seem pretty obvious to you?  Do you think it applies for all women?

What do you think women should know about men?  Is this list complete?

I see that this list emphasises honesty and commitment.  I like that in boy-girl relationships.  Do you?

What should guys look for in a girl?  Why?