What Makes a Man a Gentleman?

I used to have such grand ideas of what made a normal guy, a gentleman.  He had to open car doors for me, walk up the stairs behind me (to catch me if I fall), but down the stairs in front of me (to catch me if i fall..) walk on the side of the footpath closest to the road to save my pretty frocks from an unwanted splash of mud, and always stand up as I entered the room, and then again as I left.  Whilst somewhat out dated, these are the things I though a gentleman did.  Dancing has changed so much of what i thought a gentleman should be, and I'm most proud to say, the most gentlemanly men i know are from Tassie.

Last night I was enjoying my first social dance of the evening, when half way through an attempted spin, I commented on the stickiness of the floor, was barely a whisper, but my lead, through a variety of interesting and very well led moves, negotiated me to a secret stash of talc on the floor, with which I could powered up my shoes for extra slip.  I did not know what his intentions were, and if anyone cared to be watching, I don't think they would have cottoned on either.  This gentleman, ensured without fuss or grandeur that I was taken care of, a little like a gentle gesture to let you know you're slip is showing or to tidy the edges of your mouth, I was not made to feel embarrassed or demanding, I simply felt like a well taken care of lady.  You know who you are - and I tip my hat to you sir.

My second social dance of the evening was just as wonderful but for different reasons.  This dance just made me feel like the best dancer.  My lead took note of what moves I loved, and repeated them throughout the dance, he listened to what moves I was not getting so well and did not force them onto me again.  He maneuvered me out of harms way more than once, but never made it look obvious to the people who nearly crashed into us.  He was much a gentleman to me, as he was to the whole dance floor.  This lead took pride in the invisible.  No one will know that he nearly killed himself avoiding a crash, no one will know that he most certainly saved me from a world of hurt, but I sir, know who you are, and you are a gentleman!

My third social dance, was one that filled me with security and comfort.  Every lead was smooth and strong, every dip supported me head and neck, every pulse was subtle but clear, and every hold was like the ones you see on a black and white movies (swooony!)  We made our mistakes, I misread leads, and he experimented with new moves, but at no stage did I feel left to flounder, at no stage did I feel as though I had "ruined" the dance and although, I missed the end dip, he held my hand until we had left the dance floor, he thanked me for the fantastic dance.  This is how to be a gentleman!!You sir are the benchmark to which all others must measure!

This is more than has been taught in any class, this is the product of our young Tassie guys generally being awesome - yes last night I was actually awe struck by these guys!  Ladies, I hope next time you dance with a gentleman, you treat him well and show your appreciation!  I owe at least three guys a cool beverage next time the opportunity presents itself!