Manners and rules of etiquette should be simple and uncomplicated. They certainly make life more pleasant for everyone, and they’re not as complicated as you might think. Here are 25 etiquette rules every southern man should know and use.

Etiquette is a term used to describe appropriate and polite behavior. Sadly, a huge number of people don’t follow the 25 etiquette rules is because they don’t know them. Don’t sweat it; relax and read through these rules, and you’ll know what to do (and not do) at your next social engagement.

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Formal place settings are easy to manage if you know how to use plates, glasses and silverware.

#1. If you invite someone out, this means that you will take care of the bill. However, this rule applies only if you say, “I’ll take you out on a dinner.” If you say, “let’s meet for dinner,” this insinuates each person should pay for their own food and drinks.

#2. If you want to visit someone at their home, call first. Obviously, if they’re a great friend, it’s no big deal. However, good manners suggest you allow someone time to prepare for your visit.

#3. Never place your smartphone or tablet on the table when you are dining with someone. Please keep it in your pocket or jacket. Having it out shows that your phone is more important than the person or people at the table. Most people will be offended if you are checking Facebook’s news feed while they are talking.

#4. Be on time.

#5. Men should never carry a woman’s bag. On the other hand, they may take her coat and leave it in the cloakroom.

#6. If you are walking with any person (partner, friend, relative, coworker, etc.) and your companion says “hello” to someone you don’t know, you should also acknowledge their presence.

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#7. Always open doors for women or older people.

Don Draper, opening wife Betty’s door

#8. Make sure that your footwear is always clean and, if applicable, polished.

#9. Introduce yourself to others if they don’t know your name. Instead of saying “nice to meet you,” respond by saying, “nice to see you.” You may have previously met them and not remember.

#10. If someone offends you, excuse yourself and walk away. You are better than them. Smile and leave the scene.

#11. A man with good manners must walk on the left-hand side of their female companion. The only exceptions are military men because they salute with the right hand or if the curb is on her right side.

#12. You have two ears and one mouth; listen more than you talk.

#13. There are exactly nine things that must be kept secret – wealth, age, religion, family quarrels, affairs, medical issues, honor, gifts, and disgrace.

#14. When you are in the theater, cinema, or concert hall, move to the seat facing those sitting.

#15. Men should not touch women without their strict permission. In other words, taking a woman by her hand, holding her hand, pushing her, or touching her while you are talking is strictly forbidden.

#16. Know your limits when alcohol is involved.

#17. When it comes to using perfumes, moderation is crucial. If you still feel the perfume after 2-3 hours, you can rest assured that people around you will get sick of it.

#18. A polite man will show adequate respect to any woman, all the time.

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#19. Men can smoke in front of other women only if she gives her nod of approval.

#20. It doesn’t matter whether you are a CEO, a professor, a student, a doctor. Whenever you enter a room, you should greet everyone inside.

#21. The privacy of correspondence should be respected all the time. Even parents should not have access to the letters of their children. The same goes for couples who receive each other’s mail.

#22. Fashion is important, but you should not be the first one to follow all the trends.

#23. If you apologize for something you’ve said or done and your apology is accepted, avoid the cause of the incident in the future.

#24. Never talk or laugh very loudly. In addition, don’t stare at others – it’s rude.

#25. Remember to thank the people you love, your family, and your friends whenever they help you with something. They want to know that you appreciate them. Please don’t take their help for granted.

The reason why the 25 etiquette rules exist is to make the world a better place. Having good manners is not a difficult task; it takes patience and time to master these basic rules.