See Now How The World Cries

Well I haven't said anything about my New Years resolution. And there are parts I won't tell you. It's like making a wish and hoping it comes true; telling people ruins the magic. But I suppose there are some things that I'm willing to share. Firstly, it is my goal to start acting like a gentleman again. It's something that happens over the course of a year. As the weather gets warmer I become more considerate and pleasant to be around. The cold just makes me cynical and depressed. Of course, the hardest part about being chivalrous is finding someone worthy of your chivalry. There are few people I can think of who deserve such a title. Lady. But as a gentleman, you must treat everyone equally with courtesy and respect, regardless of class or grace. "May I help you cross the street" "Could I escort you back to your home" "I don't mean to interpose but you look absolutely radiant" Let me tell you a story about the day I decided to fall in love with every attractive woman I met. I would walk up to any woman of notable exception and introduce myself thusly: "Excuse me, I couldn't help but see you smile from across the room. You are by far one of the most beautiful women I've ever had the pleasure to lay eyes upon. Good day." Then I would bow and walk away. Every time I evoked some sort of nervous laughter and, on occasion, even name-calling. But it was not the act itself that was important. It was the stares I got from these beauties afterwards that made my heart soar. I assure you, there are still some romantics out there who still long for a knight in shining armor, and I was prepared to slay any dragon in any kingdom near or far just for that look. I could see in their eyes a certain wonder and excitement at my unexpected act of kindness. Perhaps it was not for me per se, but for that decent quality in men. That quality that makes every woman feel like a lady. But to admit it to their friends? Never! Sadly the world has lost it's appetite for table manners and polite conversation. Ah mon cher compatriote, while the women of this world secretly desire a decent hard-working man, they only chase after the men who ignore and abuse them. How self-destructive feminine youth are today. It makes my stomach churn. I say with absolute modesty and a fair amount of certainty that I can treat a woman better than most men my age, but what do I get for it? Rejection, a nervous laugh, a mockery. Its hard being a 21st century gentleman. Especially when there are so few true ladies about. It's why I've all but given up.
In my Junior year of high school our Theater department put on the stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens masterpiece Great Expectations. I played Mr. Jaggers (seen in the picture), the lawyer who delivers young Pip to London for him to become a gentleman. I learned alot from that play. Especially that women are tender things that the world treats harshly. All I want is to protect. All I want is to protect.

#19. A real gentleman never backs off when he's challenged, always standing up for himself and his values.

I'll be a gentleman again. Even if it means warm dishonesty, staunch courtesy, and showering daily.

"And the communication I have got to make is, that he has Great Expectations."