Chivalry Isn’t Dead – Romantic Gestures for Gentlemen this Valentine’s Day

Chivalrous Valentine’s Day Ideas

This Valentine’s day, as we prepare to do something romantic with a special someone, it’s a good time to revisit the basics of romance and the etiquette of modern chivalry. Chivalry is defined as ‘gallant or distinguished gentlemen’ (Merriam Webster), and the chivalrous traits of those gentlemen include honor, generosity, and courtesy. This aligns very closely with the principles of etiquette: kindness, consideration, and respect. You don’t have to splurge on a PajamaGram this year, you can be chivalrous and romantic this Valentine’s day doing some of the following:

Take her to dinner.
This seems like a no brainer, but there are additional details that will make this simple act both romantic and chivalrous. Make sure you do the planning, make the reservation, and pick her up. Don’t meet somewhere, make the extra effort to swing by in a cab, or drive to her house and pick her up so you can escort her to the restaurant. Also, pay the bill. This is not the time or place to let her split the bill with you.

Send or bring flowers
Receiving a bouquet of flowers is always a welcome surprise. They are pretty and smell good, and as she sits at her desk all day looking over at them, she’ll be thinking of you. Roses are the most common to exchange during Valentine’s Day, specifically red roses which symbolize love and passion.

Open Doors.
Open and hold doors for your love interest. Let her go through the revolving door first but give a slight push…just not too hard or that can become disastrous! If riding in the back of a cab or uber, get out of the other side, walk around the car and open the door for her.

Help her with her coat.
It is still February, so there are likely many layers of outerwear involved in her ensemble, so make sure to help by holding her purse while she adjusts her scarf or helping her put on her coat.

Listen to her.
There is nothing more courteous, honorable, or attractive than a gentleman who actually listens to his date. Really listen, make your evening about her and what is going on in her life, with her friends, and her job. This is an excellent way to win over your Valentine.

Best of luck, gentlemen.

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