Manners not looks maketh Mr Right
GOOD manners matter most to women when choosing a man – regardless of how handsome the guy might be.
A survey by etiquette authority Debrett’s found that 63 per cent of British women cited manners as the most important factor in their choice of a partner. Only five per cent plumped for good looks, while 29 per cent favoured intelligence.
Eight in 10 of those questioned thought men needed help with their manners and 87 per cent rejected the notion that “having good manners is old-fashioned”.
The poll found that when men are asked to consider how women might choose a partner, they also placed good manners above looks or intelligence.
And half of men and women thought that men are confused about manners nowadays.
Seventy per cent of both sexes believed men’s manners are getting worse. Half of women said they had experienced bad manners recently, either socially (52 per cent) or in the workplace (23 per cent).
The survey of 1,000 adults follows the recent launch of Debrett’s guide Manners For Men. Editor Jo Bryant said: “The survey findings surprised us by showing just how important manners are today.”
She said the guide – which gives men a series of dating tips, revealed on the right – can help them “to improve their manners and succeed in the tricky business of modern chivalry”.
TOP 10 DATING TIPS FOR MEN
1. Sound like a man with a plan - when asking for a date, come straight to the point.
2. Take charge - arrange where and when. Choose a venue where you will be comfortable.
3. Timing is all. There is nothing nerdy about turning up early for a date.
4. Don't look like you've spent all day fretting about your appearance.
5. Make conversation personal, but not confessional.
6. Give her your full attention. Don't answer your mobile or send texts during the date.
7. Avoid food you can't control, like spaghetti, and never comment on her table manners.
8. It is polite to kiss your companion goodbye.
9. At the beginning, the person who issues the invitation pays. If you are invited by a woman, you could offer to pay, but concede if she says "no" and means it. "Going Dutch" is never an option.
10. Call the day after a first date if you want a second one.
