Southern gentleman values in 2024?

Jun 19·1 min read

Raised in the South, parents taught me to be respectful, courteous, to say yes sir and no sir, to offer my seat to ladies, to be quiet and strong. Those values saved my marriage and my career because people know I mean what I say. But I get some pushback from younger guys who think it's dated. To me being a gentleman isn't about being old fashioned, it's about having standards for how you treat people and how you carry yourself. Anyone else feel like these values are more needed now, not less?

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Comments(5)

EEric M.RegularJun 20

I grew up in a similar environment and I think the confusion is that old school gentlemen values and modern emotional intelligence aren't opposites. Being respectful and courteous is good. Bottling everything up because you're a man is the problem.

RRafaelNew DadJun 19

Standing up straight, listening more than talking, taking care of the people around you - that's timeless stuff. Raise your kids that way and they'll do the same for theirs.

DDan M.RegularJun 19

Those values don't go out of style, man. Being respectful and having a strong presence for your kids, that's never going to be old school. Your kids will absolutely respect you for it.

CChris M.RegularJun 19

Southern courtesy is still solid. The yes sir no sir thing, opening doors, respecting people - that never goes out of style. What's changed is that good men can also be emotionally present and vulnerable. You can be a gentleman AND talk about your feelings.

BBradRegularJun 20

The good parts of how you were raised don't have an expiration date. Respect, courtesy, integrity - those are timeless. What changes is how you show up emotionally with your kids and partner. Your kids will remember that you were kind more than they remember if you cried.