Well.

The last time all of my (local-ish) friends got together, I got an interesting comment.

I was complaining about this kid on one of the boards I frequent who, quite frankly, annoyed the hell out of me. I finally managed (with support - silent though it was - of the others on the board) to drive the idiot away. Yes, he *was* an idiot, completely and utterly devoid of awareness, logical thought, or comprehension.

Anyway, I don't usually swear... unless the situation fits. F'rinstance, describing the conversation I'd had with this nutwad. Essentially, "What the f*ck are you talking about? Was your head shoved so far up your ass it popped back out the top?" type comments.

I was getting this strange look from the lady I was telling this to. Her comment? "Wow... it's just that you're normally such a gentleman, I *never* hear you swear..."

Apparently I'm overly polite. :)

But what, exactly, *is* a gentleman? In your teen years, I guess you can find them easily - look for the guy the girls think is "so nice and sweet" yet never seems to get a date... I'm notably *past* those teen years, having been out of high school for nearly a decade and a half. So what does that mean now?

I don't think I'm a doormat, though that's what some people would want. I stand up for friends - and correct them gently if they're wrong. I try to treat others with respect, unless they've proven several times they don't deserve it... at which point I ignore them, unless they prove they can't leave it go at *that* (like the guy on the forum.) I try to give them the benefit of the doubt, and don't push my way into peoples lives...

But what among all that makes me a "gentleman?" What among the things I didn't list? Or does it vary from person to person?

Final, unrelated note... Went to safeway (grocery store, most places seem to have them around the country.) Being (at the time) July 3rd, they were busy playing patriotic music... when I walked in, it was "Anchors Aweigh."

Couldn't help but wonder when the store was setting sail.