Etiquette for Young Men

**Cygnus** · 2nd January 14, 07:24 PM

Thank you, all, for the many new suggestions! I know it's been quite some time since I responded (or posted on X Marks, for that matter).

Unfortunately, life has gotten in the way of this little project, and I've had to put it on hold until things settle down a bit. I'm finishing up a master's degree and have been hit with a very heavy work load the past few months. Rest assured that it will be revived and as many of your excellent suggestions as I'm able to include will be included!

**Laird_M** · 3rd January 14, 02:11 AM

Thought ypu'd been a bit quiet...
Make sure to provide a copy of the work when done - my eldest DEFINITELY needs to read it!

**MonkeyRogue** · 11th January 14, 09:52 AM

I would like to say, this has been an excellent source of information for myself. I've always wondered what the smaller bits and pieces of proper dress etiquette were, and I knew I was missing a few. But this has been extraordinary.

**Cardinal** · 11th January 14, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

This is marvellous. The appearance we present leaves the first and critical impression. Personal grooming and as mentioned, "hat protocol" are high on my list. I had a fellow visit our home with this hat on, and his lame comment as we sat down at a formal dining room was that he should leave it on because his hair wasn't tidy that day. Wrong on both counts and I've remembered it for twenty years even though I've not seen him since.

I'm delighted that you actually know some young men who want to know! Bon chance, et magnifique!

I think, as your project progresses, this is the key. We have spent a lot of time discussing "what" and "how to," but the only way your lessons will stick is if you can get your young men to understand and embrace WHY manners are important. Father Bill nailed it pretty well, and his anecdote about the boy in the hat, two decades ago, shows just how well those negative first impressions stick.

On the broader topic, I would suggest that your young men remember that whom they spend their time with, and how they spend it, tells who they are. If you hang out with thugs, I will assume you a thug until proved wrong. If you use all of your spare time playing video games, that tells me a lot about you as well.

This is a very "against the grain" countercultural thing you are doing. I wish you the best!

Cordially,
Trog