King has
apparently stepped into the 20
th century and got hip to the game of the gentleman. One of
their newest feature
50 Rules to Being a Gentleman. Now...while some of their readers may consider the word "gentleman" to be a loose translation for the hood slang "G"...they do a pretty nice job clarifying the subtle and the large differences.
Here are a few of my favs:
49. “If you buy one pair of shoes and one suit per year, you’ll have a nice collection soon enough. It’s an investment. Also, know your measurements and sizes, because you might find a woman who wants to hook you up and get a suit made.”—Chris Mathis, 36, barber
This is something I need to get on top of.
47. “Tone down the bagginess a bit without wandering into nut-hugger territory. Showing your ass and boxers is not appealing in any setting.”—Anslem Samuel, 31, magazine editor
Grown ups DO NOT wear baggy cloths. This...is a fact of life.
42. “The world is bigger than your hood and the places your favorite rappers represent. Try to travel to a place where your cell phone won’t work. That’s when you know you’ve actually gone somewhere. If you can’t afford to put your passport on pivot, try reading a book or travel guide about the place you’d like to visit.”—A. Samuel
Word up son (but really...if your black, dont go anywhere your cellphone doesn't work...you're just asking to be that black guy from the movies).
35. “There will come a time when you outgrow the dudes you grew up with. Have a beer with them once in a while, but it’s OK to move on and be friendly with new people.”—Adam Matthews, 36, journalist
This is so true. Life is about growing and adapting, but never forgetting who and what made you the way you are today (that's some mushy sh*t right).
32. Look people in the eyes when you greet them and shake their hand.
28. “Memphis Bleek had one good line: ‘The strong move quiet, the weak start riots.’ Don’t be the guy who always needs attention on him or starts problems over small stuff.”—Mark Rooney, 31, salesman
The wise word of Memphis Bleak. We all know Jay wrote it for him.
21. If you initiate a dinner date or meeting, then you should expect to pay. That works both ways.
18. Unless your Fight Club membership is in danger of being revoked, walk away from altercations.
But sometimes.....
14. “Treat older women as if they were your own mother.”—C. Mathis
13. Always have a woman walk on the inside of the sidewalk and on the side of parked cars in a parking lot, basically using your body as a barrier from harm.
Someone told me this when I was a kid....and I try my best t adhere to it as an "adult." Don't feel foolish switching sides (but at least try to make it seamless). If a girl asks, just tell her "women are suppose to walk on the inside." I think they appreciate that you even care.
11. If you’re trying to have a relationship, let the woman know. If you’re not, and you’re just trying to hit, let them know that, too.
1. “Young guys should pump their brakes. Don’t have kids until you’re 30, and look at her family and background to know what you’re getting into.”—C. Mathis
That's 30 years of age. Let's be serious...the divorce rate is through the roof for a reason.