Will B.

I pride myself on being a practicing southern gentleman, I am not perfect while practicing this but I do my best to live up to its code. For me being a southern gentleman is a responsibility and one not everyone is suited for. A southern gentleman is on a whole other level then just your plain everyday runof- the-mill gentleman.

A southern gentleman must adhere to a few rules: always carry a handkerchief, always wear a watch, always carry at least one pocket knife, respect his elders, uses ma’am and sir when addressing his elders or someone of great repute, always holds the door for those behind him, always yields the right of way, always waits to be invited, be pleasant and of good cheer, have a smile and on occasion a wink ready at a moment’s notice, always be helpful and have a positive attitude.

These are just a few of the rules in the code of conduct of any self-respecting southern gentleman. For a more detailed study you can pick up a copy of “The Gentlemen’s Book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness” at any reputable book store or Amazon for convenience.

I was in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts growing up and these are two of the finest organizations for any young man or boy to learn what it takes to become a man with gentlemanly traits. I myself learned many lessons that I still practice today, but a true gentleman always takes it a step further with good intentions, great manners and a positive attitude.

These days it is almost out of fashion to be kind and practice a gentleman’s code; most don’t have time for it or just plain were raised by a pack of hyenas. It’s time to bring back the gentleman’s code of conduct and show the younger generation by example how to act around others and that kindness and manners are something to be greatly valued. It’s time to slow things down with this society and begin to treat each other with love and kindness for each other again.

John 15:17: “These things I command you, that you love one another.” I have said it many times and it is kind of my mantra. If you love others as you love yourself and treat others as you would want to be treated, well, the Earth would be a paradise. Just imagine a world where everyone followed those two principles. This is Will B saying, be kind to one another and let’s bring back an era of gentlemen and ladies.