From turning off your phone at dinner to the ability to undo a bra with one hand, a list of ground rules for being a modern gentleman have been revealed.
The 39 rules for what appears to be a bewilderingly complex contemporary social world are explained by Country Life magazine, with the overriding emphasis on being considerate and courteous towards others.
Yet some more incongruous rules also featured among the list of prerequisites for being a gentleman.
These include being able to train both a dog and a rose, not being a vegetarian, avoiding lilac socks, being able to prepare a "one-match bonfire" and never going to Puerto Rico.
Paula Lester, features editor at Country Life, said awareness of the needs and feelings of others was the enduring feature of a true gentleman, from the past to the present day.
"A lot of things have changed over the years, but the point we need to make is that a big part of being a gentleman is being able to step back and take time to look after people," she told the Daily Telegraph.
"If I had any advice for would-be gentlemen, it's about being as kind and supportive as possible."
Oscar Wilde was meant to have given a similar definition.
He is thought to have said "a gentleman nevers insults anyone unintentionally".
This, however, also implies that when gentleman speaks his mind, he is fairly direct.
Indeed, Country Life advises that a gentleman "always speaks the truth", and knows when is appropriate to use certain methods - such as emojis as Andy Murrary did to celebrate his wedding day - to express himself.
The full list ends with the tongue-in-cheek reminder that a true gentleman knows there is "always an exception to a rule".
1. Negotiates airports with ease
2. Never lets a door slam in someone's face
3. Can train a dog and a rose
4. Is aware that facial hair is temporary, but a tattoo is permanent
5. Knows when not to say anything
6. Wears his learning lightly
7. Possesses at least one well-made dark suit, one tweed suit, and a dinner jacket
8. Avoids lilac socks and polishes his shoes
9. Turns his mobile phone to silent at dinner
10. Carries house guests' luggage to their rooms
11. Tips staff in a private house and a gamekeeper
12. Says his name when being introduced
13. Breaks a relationship face-to-face
14. Is unafraid to speak the truth
15. Knows when to clap
16. Arrives at a meeting five minutes before the agreed time
17. Is good with waiters
18. Has two tricks to entertain children
19. Can undo a bra with one hand
20. Sings lustily in church
21. Is not a vegetarian
22. Can sail a boat and ride a horse
23. Knows the difference between Glenfiddich and Glenda Jackson
24. Never kisses and tells
25. Cooks an omelette to die for
26. Can prepare a one-match bonfire
27. Seeks out his hostess at a party
28. Knows when to use an emoji
29. Would never own a Chihuahua
30. Has read Pride and Prejudice
31. Can tie his own bow ties
32. Would not go to Puerto Rico
33. Knows the difference between a rook and a crow
34. Sandals? No. Never
35. Wears a rose, not a carnation
36. Swats flies and rescues spiders
37. Demonstrates that making love is neither a race nor a competition
38. Never blow dries his hair
39. Knows that there is always an exception to a rule.
