The way you behave at a restaurant sais a lot about you. Making certain mistakes can make you look arrogant or un serieus even if you are not like that. Modern men have poor manners while being at a restaurant, so it is easier for you to stand out from the crowd. Today I will discuss 8 mistakes a gentle man never makes so you won’t make them too.
- Not reserving a table. Even if a plan is spontaneous, you should always call the restaurant. The only time you should not reserve a table is when your boss or some other male business partner has invited you. If you still expect that when you go on a date with a girl and she will reserve a table, you are a boy. As a man, you should always take charge and choose a nice restaurant for the date. When you initiated having dinner, you should always reserve a table. You don’t want to enter a busy restaurant and not be able to have dinner there. But besides that, reserving a table shows that you put effort into setting up a nice meeting. You will be respected for that. It also demonstrates foresight and consideration, qualities that are essential for a gentleman. A well-planned evening reflects your ability to handle responsibilities, and it sets the tone for a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
2. A gentleman is never late. Being late means that you don’t value the time of others, which is a disrespect to them. Remember: a gentleman always shows respect to others, especially to the people you meet. But there will always be a time when there are problems with traffic, and there is no other way than becoming late. Make sure you let them know before you arrive. When you are too late, you should know your place and make it up in some kind of way. You can do this, for example, by paying the bill. Being punctual isn’t just about time; it’s about building trust and reliability. People will always appreciate someone who honors their commitments. Additionally, arriving early or on time allows you to settle in, review the menu, and greet your guests with confidence, rather than rushing in flustered and unprepared.
3. The next disrespectful mistake is not standing up when meeting people. Nowadays I see so many people just sitting while shaking a hand. This shows low effort in giving respect to the other person. People want to feel respected and welcomed. It is arrogant and not gentlemanly to shake hands while you are sitting. It doesn’t matter who it is. Is it the Queen of England or a friend’s friend? You stand up, young man. The first impression is always the most important one. When people feel that you are arrogant already the first time meeting, it is hard to change their view of you. Gentleman, please don’t make this mistake. Stand up and look them in the eye while shaking their hand. This small gesture creates a big impact, setting the tone for mutual respect right from the start. It also shows that you are attentive, engaged, and ready to connect, which are key traits of a true gentleman.
4. Not giving a compliment. C’mon guys. Give a lil’ compliment while talking at the restaurant. You can always start off with saying something about their looks. When you are meeting a man, you can say something about their dress or watch. And when you are on a date, it is always good to tell her that the dress looks good on her or say that the typical color of her dress suits her. It will immediately bring them in a good mood, so it’s a perfect way to start off your night. I don’t want you to be too nice—no, don’t put them on a pedestal. But a small compliment is never too much, and it can have a great impact on people’s mood, and you will be respected for it. Make sure it’s genuine, though. People can sense when a compliment is forced, so pay attention to details that truly catch your eye. A well-placed compliment not only brightens someone’s day but also shows that you are observant and thoughtful, qualities that are highly valued in any social setting.
5. This mistake is more acceptable in the US, but in Europe, this is a no-go. I personally don’t eat bread, but for the men who do, listen up. Often a little slice of bread is served while eating or having a drink. Please don’t bite just a piece of the bread and then put it back on your plate. It is not very pleasant for your dining partner to see your bite marks on the bread, especially if it’s buttered. So what should you do instead? Tear off a small piece of the bread and then eat it. It is more polite, and for the ones from the US, just do it too. It is always better to be more like a gentleman. Small habits like this may seem insignificant, but they contribute to an overall impression of elegance and thoughtfulness. It’s these subtle acts of consideration that separate a gentleman from the crowd and leave a lasting impression on those around you.
6. No matter what kind of mistake the waitress or waiter makes, you are never rude as a gentleman. It is the biggest turn-off for a woman, but even besides that, show some manners and be respectful. Be polite, and people will be polite to you. I’m not saying you can’t say anything when there is a problem with your food or the way that you are being treated. I’m saying, do it in a polite manner. The way you say things can be drastically different. When you handle problems like a gentleman, people will respect you, and that will serve you later. Giving a tip to the waiter is much appreciated and says a lot about you. Even if it is a small one, it shows gratitude and awareness of the effort others put in. A gentleman understands that everyone makes mistakes, and how you respond to those mistakes defines your character. Patience and kindness go a long way in earning respect.
7. Not knowing the right meal for the right moment. Not everything on the menu suits the time and place or the vibe of the night. Ordering sloppy noodles while being at a serious business meeting? C’mon man. You should know better. And garlic, guys, you should avoid that always. I don’t have to tell you why. Also, know when to look at the price of the meal. If you are 100% sure that you will pay for the dinner, of course, you don’t have to look at the price if you can afford it. But when there is a chance someone else is paying for the dinner, don’t order something expensive when they are also not. Try to know what they will order before you make your final decision on choosing the meal. At least try to choose something that is not more expensive than their choice. Gentlemen know how to read the room and adapt. Choosing the right meal is not just about taste; it’s about showing awareness and consideration for the context and the people you’re with.
8. the last mistake is simple: being on your phone. Every time I go out for dinner, I see so many men being on their phones while having dinner with somebody else. It is just disrespectful and shows a lack of manners. Avoiding awkward moments by going on your phone will make you have more awkward moments in the future. Train yourself to make moments less awkward. Being on your phone while being with other people makes you less skilled in social situations. Instead, focus on building a real connection. Practice being present in the moment. That’s what makes a true gentleman stand out. Putting your phone away signals that you value the person in front of you and are fully engaged in the experience. It’s a small but powerful way to show respect and build meaningful relationships.
