My father taught me that a gentleman always treats women with dignity. Opens doors, listens to what they have to say, doesn't interrupt, doesn't make it about him. My boys see me do this with their mother and her friends. They're starting to do the same thing naturally. This is foundational. A man who can't respect women has no character. Period.
Your dad sounds like he nailed it. I'm trying to teach my boys the same thing - respect starts with actually listening instead of waiting for your turn to talk. It's harder than it sounds but worth it.
Man, this resonates. Got two boys myself and I'm constantly reminding them to slow down and actually hear what people are saying. The door opening thing, the listening thing - that's real character right there.
Door opening might sound old fashioned but it teaches respect for others through action. My boys do this now without thinking about it and the reaction from people is always positive. It's kindness with a practical side.
Teaching them to listen without trying to fix everything or make it about themselves is huge. My daughter calls me out when I'm not actually listening and it's made me a better man overall.
I've been emphasizing this with my boys too. It's not about being a doormat, it's about having standards for how you treat people. Real gentlemen are hard to find these days.
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This is the foundation for everything else. My dad taught me the same thing and it changed how I see relationships. Respect for women starts with seeing them as people, not conquests or problems to solve.