What makes a man a Gentleman???????????

Well I don't usually sit down and write things, but I think I have a good story to tell.

I went to the local coffee shop with friends this morning (I am a people watcher and like to see their reactions to different propblems). We got are coffee and sandwich. We got to talking about what makes a man a gentlemen, a woman started this topic (there are many forums on this as well). I sat back and listened as the two tables beside us also got talking. They all seemed to think different and that is what makes us human. It was pouring rain and what else did I have to do.


I continued to listen knowing that there is a forum ongoing about this. As I sat and listened and more people gave their answers and some times loudly, I was amazed to see an elderly man come through the door. He was dressed nice and was a tall man with graying hair. I watched as he opened and held the door for women and men as they left with there coffee's and such. He stepped back and let an elderly women move ahead of him in line and smiled when anyone thanked him.


I watched as he moved out of the line up and opened the door for an expectant mother and then let her in line ahead of him. He was friendly, but only spoke when someone would thank him. As I watched this man, I wondered if this could be a gentlemen. He got his coffee thanked and tipped the girl at the cash. He had ordered a sandwich and as he walked by he excused himself for walking in front of the now heated debate. I was amazed at the man, he knew who he was and also knew what was going on around him. I got everyones attention and asked them to watch, not stare just watch this man. He got his sandwich, thanked the girl who made it and started to walk past us again. He stopped looked at two of the louder people smiled and told them. "A gentleman is the man who remembers his manners he was taught as a child. A man who can laugh at himself when needed, a man who treats a woman as she treats him, with respect and kindness."


He talked to us for maybe three or four minutes. We all listened and I think we all came away with more respect for each other.


As he passed by me I stood extended my hand and said thank-you, he said he knew I was watching him and he hoped I had learned something.


I have today learned in less than an hour, that a gentleman is not made of anything more than me. We all have manners and respect. I feel that we have forgot how to use them. I have been lucky enough to have been called a gentleman in the past. I feel when a man has respect for himself he will then have respect for other people.


A gentleman will open doors for anyone, male or female, he will respect them, he will speak when spoken to in public.


I never got this gentleman's name but what he taught me in four minutes can not be taught to some people in a life time. I tip my hat to this great gentleman.