The Scent of Gallantry

Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others.  If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use- Emily Post

Over a forth night, I have come across a number of definitions of a gentleman.

Some were expressed as a function of integrity; others were based on a man’s relationship with the ladies.

But one definition was worth saving: ‘a man of calm demeanor, strong preserve, intellectual thinking, polite yet meaningful speak and a good upbringing’.

The last two words in this definition form the basis of this article.

A gentleman (or any person of sophistication) is a person that is strikingly appealing to the five senses.

A compelling appearance(sight), pleasant scent(smell), sweetened speech(hearing), delicious substance(taste) and a welcoming touch(feel) all co habit in a gentleman or a lady.

The balance is therefore upset when one or more of these is/are  lacking in an acclaimed gentleman or lady.

A good upbringing, according to the above definition suggests a check in all the five (sensory) boxes.

Yet a major area where many noticeably fall below the standard is in the area of scent.

We are responsible for taking utmost care of ourselves; anti-perspirant or deodorant, perfume, cologne, body spray etc. make the task easier.

It is hard to believe that barely half of the population use any form of deodorants or anti-perspirants.

If you do use an anti-perspirant or deodorant after bath, at least twice a day, you do well.

It is not enough to put on Tom Ford, lace up your Ferragamo, buckle your Giorgio Armani, click in your Longines, and appear like a Tom cruise.

Wearing a deodorant is not just yourself, it’s also for the benefit of others who you interact with daily.

Be a good neighbor. Be huggable. Be gallant.