What ever happened to good old-fashioned manners? Not a lot of men follow the simplest of rules these days and consequently, it shows in how they behave. Aside from the momentary fashionable trends that seem to grip our society ever half generation - good etiquette tips never go out of style.

Mybrotha gives you 10 of the most important ones:

1. Restaurants - Whenever dining out (especially in a formal setting), be sure to allow your female partner to be seated first. You can control this situation by pulling out a chair for her and seating yourself afterwards. For those of you who dare to be really chivalrous -- it is common practice to stand when a woman gets up to leave the table.
2. Table Manners - When sitting at a table (either in a restaurant or at home), your elbows should never rest on the eating surface. Elbows on the table are acceptable only between meal courses, or in extremely informal settings like bars or pubs.
3. Addressing Women - Did you know that there is a correct and incorrect way to address a woman, both verbally and in writing? It all depends on her age and marital status.

   You should speak and write "Mrs." when addressing married woman. For any woman who is unmarried, or if you're not sure about her marital status - use the term "Ms." For girls and teens under the age of 17 years, you should use "Miss".

   Various cultures inside and outside the U.S. usually have two distinctions -- (i.e. Madam, Señora, Frau (for adult and married women); and mademoiselle, señorita, fräulein (for unmarried teens and girls). Of course you could always use a generic, respectful "ma'am", for women of all ages and classifications.

4. Hats and Caps - Never enter a building with your hat or cap on. The only exceptions are public places of interests such as train, bus, and subway stations; indoor and outdoor pavillions; or places near public street entrances like lobbies or hallways. You should always remove your hat for photographs, when entering a home, for the national anthem, and when in the presence of a woman.
5. Flowers - Unless you mean to say -- "I love you my little Snookum-Cakes", something other than red or pink roses should be given to female acquaintences. Roses are a symbol of love, romantic interest, or "respectful love" -- as in situations when giving roses to a mother on Mother's Day.

   For occasions when a female is not a love interest (i.e. birthdays, graduations, promotions, or new friendships) -- choose from a variety of "friendly flowers" like Lilies, Sunflowers, Daisies, Chrysanthemums, Bamboo, or Irises.

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