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GentleManners Books

As a Gentleman Would Say Revised and Expanded: Responses to Life's Important (and Sometimes Awkward) Situations

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Simple reminders and new ideas for any man who is eager to navigate the obstacle course of his own words.

On any given day, a man is faced with situations that demand a response. He runs into a friend who was recently fired . . . His date can’t seem to pry herself away from a texting conversation during dinner . . . Someone at his gym routinely monopolizes the equipment . . . He finds himself in a nearly unintelligible conversation with a client who has a thick foreign accent. In each of these scenarios, there are distinct responses that can determine the outcome—for better or worse.

Knowing what to say is essential, because regardless of how many doors he opens or how often he remembers to bring a bottle of wine for the hostess, a gentleman’s reputation is often established on his ability to communicate. In this updated version of As a Gentleman Would Say, John Bridges and Bryan Curtis offer simple reminders and new ideas for any man who is eager to navigate the obstacle course of his own words.

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2001

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About the author

John Bridges

86 books27 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

John Bridges is the author of the bestselling book, HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN, today's most popular guide to etiquette for the modern man. When it comes to handling any issue related to courtesy, common or uncommon -- whether it's how to use a shrimp fork, how to conduct yourself in a business meeting, or knowing when to turn off your cell phone -- John is "Mr. Right."

"Over the course of my life, I've been to a lot of parties," says John. "What I've learned is that it's not enough simply to get invited. What's really important is knowing how to behave yourself, so you get invited back."

A native of Slapout, Alabama, John has served as Classical Music Editor for the Nashville Tennessean, and was an award-winning columnist and editor for the Nashville Scene. He also gained a wide following as an associate editor for Nostalgia magazine and as an etiquette columnist for Traditional Home.

John served for eight years as Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Nashville. A frequent media guest, he has been featured on the "Today" show, "CBS Sunday Morning," and the Discovery Channel. He has been profiled in the New York Times and People magazine. His advice has repeatedly been sought out by major men's magazines such as Esquire, Men's Health, and Details. John is also the co-author, along with Bryan Curtis, of eight other books in the "Gentlemanners" series, a publishing phenomenon that has now sold more than 1.25 million volumes, world-wide.

HOW TO BE A GENTLEMAN and other volumes in the "Gentlemanners" series have been translated into more than 15 foreign languages -- ranging from Spanish and Croatian to Latvian and Vietnamese.

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Luke.
41 reviews11 followers
October 23, 2013
Great little book with pragmatic advice to verbally jiu-jitsu your way through some awkward moments in life.

-a gentleman does not interrupt ever.
-a gentleman is slow to judge others
-say congratulations to groom, say best wishes to bride
-a gentleman dies not raise his voice
-a gentleman never says sorry unless he has given offense
-don't fluff around w "I don't mean to embarrass you but..."
-don't ask someone's age
-if you call someone it is up to you to finish convo
-don't answer phone at table or in front of guests you are entertaining
-to decline an invitation already accepted: tell them asap, frank reason, apology
-accept the first invitation offered, don't weigh up offers. Also don't reject offers to do fun things
-dont argue over petty matters. Only argue if there is a dangerous situation. Respect others beliefs and opinions. Do not correct them to your own opinions or actions, yet set an example to others
-personalize, general comment, question e.g. "I haven't heard that movie. It has an interesting title though. What's it about?"
-"what do you think?" Is ace! Other small questions are better than personalising
-do not brag.
-avoid "I told you so"
-shake hands and introduce yourself
-no rumours
-hygiene, cleanliness
-please and thank you
-listen well
-don't respond to insults. Be silent
-do not respond literally to the question "hi. How are you?" People aren't after a response of more than "fine how about you?" Its just a way to open convo.
-if there is an obvious change in a person like plastic surgery or weight loss, be general "hello Bob, you're looking great.". if weight loss can mention how fabulous the clothes look.
-if its the opposite and they look worse say "hello Bob, its great to see you." Do not mention the deformity, weight gain or ugliness
-if friend is terminally I'll: "hi Bob, how are you doing?" Then "hey let's keep on touch, I want to hear how things are going"
-And if friend is fired "I've heard you've left the bank. How are things going?" If these friends choose to disclose more info "that sounds really really tough. You're a bright guy, Bob. Once you're over this hurdle, an opportunity will arise, I know."
If winning or losing in a game, say: "bad luck/congratulations, you guys really played a great game" do not be a sore loser
-never assume people have malevolent motivation. Always expect people to be benevolent towards you, and be indifferent when they are not.
-if invited to wedding of ex "I'm happy for her and wish her all the best"
-"you're a lucky mummy and daddy"
-if friends are getting married and you think its a bad idea "that's great news. Have u set a date?" Never reveal that you disapprove if it is good news among others
-see a friend cheating on his wife at dinner "hi Bob, how's your dinner?" Introduce yourself as normal to the guest if the friend has not done this
-if someone tries to get you involved there personal messy issues "you're my friend, Bob, but this is something you'll need to work out for yourself" he died not gossip, or take sides
-when friends are trying for a baby "good luck. I'll be looking forward to the blessed event"
-shit news "I'm sorry to hear that. Are you doing okay?"
-ensure you and your guest decide what to order before the waiter comes so you can tell your guest unapologetically if what they are ordering is beyond your budget e.g. let's go for a wine that's more on my budget.
-poor service: "we seem to be having a problem here, would you point out the manager for me, please?"
-"you might want to use your napkin. You have something stuck in your teeth."
-support and encourage your friends with their efforts for self improvement "good luck. I really admire your willpower."
-your friend is rude/inappropriate: dont say anything out loud, take them aside privately and suggest that they change their behavior w a gentle rebuke. Do not embarrass this person in front of others or apologies for their behavior.
-when a friend is promoted: "congratulations Bob, I'm here to help out with whatever you need"
-"I wish I had time to continue our conversation but (excuse). Now what was the point you wanted to make?"
-when someone has bad breath. "Would you like a breath mint?"
-a friend confides in you a secret or something private and complicated "thank you for telling me this. If I can help in any way please let me know"
-"thanks for asking but Bob and I hardly know each other at all."
-don't say anything if late, but apologize later
-quit job "I know that had to be a tough decision, but I know you had to do what was right for you."
-inappropriate jokes "guys, jokes like that are not funny. Isn't there something else we could laugh at?"
-asked to do something bad like lying "no. I'm afraid I can't do that."
-call people that aren't friends by Mr and ms
-rejected "I understand. Maybe we can do something together some other time."
-when someone trying to set you up "can you tell me a little bit about her, maybe some of her interests?"
-rejecting girls' advances "I think you are a very nice person but I'm not interested in our having a romantic relationship."
-its bad manners to eat from someone else's plate, say "I'd you'd like to sample my food, we'll get the waiter to bring another plate."
-"I want us to be married and I hope you feel the same way too."
-"sorry I want us to be able to have this conversation but I'm finding it hard to understand you."
-don't ever ask someone how old specifically they are
-the answer is no to does this look good on me "you always look great in whatever you were but I have to say, the other one is still my favorite."
-forgot name "its great seeing you but I can't for the life of me remember your name."
-someone's business idea " best of luck, Bob. You have an ambitious plan and it should be an adventure."
-a toast: keep it simple - "I'm proud to call you a friend" some fond memories are good, maybe a joke, but do not embarrass him.
-complimented "thank you. I appreciate you telling me that." Do not deny the compliment or presume that it was insincere.
-don't talk business or debts at a social event, but contact the person the next day "hey mate, seeing you last night reminded me of the money you owe me. I'd appreciate getting it settled soon"
-if someone is going through a crisis and they aren't mentioning it to you, don't bring it up, just be friendly as normal. They will tell you if they need your help
-offered a drug which I don't take "how about some soft drink? I don't drink alcohol."
-bored of conversation "its been nice talking to you, but I think I'd like to refresh my drink. Would you like to walk with me to the bar?"
-RSVP asap. Always RSVP, and apologies if u didn't.
-asking a girl for a dance: a few simple comments. Then "I really like this song. How about you? Would you like to dance?"
-always thank when given a gift even if you don't like it
-if a fight is brewing in a respectable location "guys, if you don't both quieten down, I'm going to have to ask you both to leave."
-people smoking in your house "Bob you'll find an ashtray out on the verandah for my friends that smoke."
-a friend breaks something "Bob are you alright? I hope you didn't cut yourself"
-try not to open gifts in front of others but if get a shitty present "thanks so much I've never seen a mug like this before"
-"Bob you've had plenty to drink and I'm concerned about your safety. Give me your keys and I'll call you a cab."
-"excuse me please, I need to take this call. I'll try to be quick."
-when someone tries to bring an uninvited guest "I'd love for you to bring Bob, but I'm afraid we only have room for 8 at the table."
-change convo topics "this might not be exactly on the subject, but your comment reminds me of something I read the other day"
-intros - older to younger, if same age, girl to guy e.g. "Barbara, this is my good friend Bob Smith. Bob, this is Barbara Samson." Can add a little quip to promote conversation "Bob is a friend of mine that I met in Canada." "Its awfully nice to meet you, bob"
-starting conversation - noncontroversial topics first "it's great to be able to meet together like this. Good on the host for organizing it" ask a few questions to get the ball rolling, then onto more broad topics like sport, current affairs, local happenings, but he is still testing the waters. Later he can start opening up to talk about the party itself, the stock market crash, interesting topics.
-ending a convo on telephone "it's been good talking to you, Bob. I hope we get to talk again soon."
-someone is rude, don't insult them but tell them frankly what you want them to do or not do "no thanks. Don't call me again. Good night."
-"i don't give out that kind of information"
-unwelcome guest arrives "thanks for dropping by Bob, but this is a bad time for me. Give me a call and we'll get together sometime soon."
-when people aren't listening to your answer "Bob, I said no. And that's my final answer on the subject."
-thank people for presents with a little message later on. "It was kind of you to think of me."
-when rejecting somebody's request from you it is good to say no "it is one of my private rules."
-death of a loved one of a coworker "I am sorry to hear about your uncle. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help you get back into the swing of things." Don't try to compare experiences. Just ask them if there is any way you can help them recover. Don't try to find the positives in the situation. Keep it short and simple "I am sorry for your loss. I've been thinking about you and your family."
"You are in my thoughts/prayers." This approach is appropriate even for pets "I'm sorry to hear about fluffy. I know she meant a lot to you"
-mate in hospital "thought I'd drop in and give u this book. I enjoyed it and thought you might like it too." Short and upbeat visit.
-baby news/photo "gee Bob, you must be so proud."
-if a fat girl asks if she is fat "you're a great looking woman. If you've gained a little weight, you've got the style to carry it off."
-knocked up "congratulations. You'll make a great mother"
-canceling - I'm sorry Bob but I can't make (event). (Excuse) then I'll catch up with you another time.
-making an apology "Bob, I'm sorry if I have offended you the other day when I ...(excuse if there is one)
-accepting an apology "I appreciate that Bob. I was offended at the time, i admit. let's just move on."
-someone reveals something private "Im glad you feel comfortable telling me that."
-someone tells you that there child is gay or bad at sports etc "Bob is a great kid. That's what really matters."
-thank ppl for backhanded compliments
-always accept the first social commitment offered. If declining say "I'm sorry Bob but I won't be able to make it. I've already got a commitment that night."
-talking in movies "excuse me, I'm having trouble hearing the movie." Then ask manager then ask for refund
-if you happen to be in a heated argument (don't argue over small stuff), and realize later you were wrong, admit your mistake to them personally.
-u get mad, apologise later "forgive me for yelling at you, Bob. It was entirely out of line. There was no excuse for my behavior."
-if someone took offense to what you said "Bob, I'm afraid I hurt your feelings the other night. Please know I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."
Profile Image for Mr Gerald.
2 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2011
Very good book for key understanding of enhancing the gentleman in you!
Profile Image for EJ Daniels.
348 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2018
This little book provides examples of common social situations and offers suggestions on how, and how not, to reply in a polite and respectful way. The appropriate responses to the majority of situations it presents would be fairly obvious to most people raised in a proper environment, but the book would nevertheless be useful for the socially awkward.
Profile Image for Sydney.
135 reviews
Read
July 29, 2025
Well. That was a fun mini book adventure. Definitely still dated and made quite a few assumptions of the reader, but not as egregious as I thought it would be. TLDR: genuinely, just think before you speak.
Profile Image for Eduardo Rincón Gallardo.
40 reviews
May 6, 2018
It is essential to say the correct expression in all circumstances, remembering that the most important thing is to be a gentleman in all terms!
Profile Image for Spats and Hats.
58 reviews1 follower
December 27, 2018
An amusingly helpful book and quite easy to read. Some of the "He does not say" examples are absolutely chortle-inducing.
58 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2021
This would be the perfect book to have electronically. Good advice, but never at hand when you need it.
Profile Image for Vincent V.
297 reviews
March 16, 2023
Being gentleman isn't always the best thing. But beats being a nothing. I guess being a gentleman + focused on vision is good synergy.
12 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2015
Pretty much just tells you how to give neutral, non-opinionated statements on potentially sensitive subjects. It could be called "how to make people like me by not causing waves." But in all seriousness, it does provide some good advice by suggesting to you not to comment on things that are rightfully "not your business or prerogative." It thus does provide helpful commentary on how to avoid accidental rudeness and articulates what may be considered rude to some is not what it is to others so its just best to avoid certain statements. It doesn't really address talking politics, because when, where, and how to discuss that would probably need its own book entirely
192 reviews1 follower
July 25, 2016
'As a gentleman would say' is an extremely brief look at guidelines surrounding what gentlemen ought to say in specific awkward social situations. A fair percentage is rehashed from previous work in the Gentlemanners series, and what is provided often turns out to be many variations on the same response that cover eight or ten scenarios.

In all, this book could probably have been summed up in fifteen pages.

You'd likely do better to pick up 'How to be a Gentleman'.
Profile Image for Benson.
15 reviews4 followers
January 23, 2008
A fun read. Not all of it is applicable in our day, but most of it is. The world can always use more gentlemen. This is a fun coffee table read to clue men in on how to avoid the awkward and offensive moments we can be prone to invite.
Profile Image for Josh.
45 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2009
I thought this book had a lot of good advice on how to deal with difficult situations and general manners in speaking and conversing. I enjoyed it. However, I found much of the advice to be common sense.
3 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2017
Solid book - outlines the Platonic view of etiquette. I'm not sure any man, no matter how gentlemanly, could ever act as laid out here, however.
Profile Image for Bill.
138 reviews
February 24, 2012
This book is insultingly basic, but I begrudgingly picked up one tip.
Profile Image for Andreas.
9 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2012
Great & funny. Strongly recommend this issue. Kindest regards, A.
Profile Image for Nick.
707 reviews194 followers
July 13, 2016
Very similar to the other book in this series. I don't feel like writing the same review twice so I'll leave it at that.
Profile Image for Brian.
229 reviews14 followers
October 29, 2013
Amazing book for me to learn what to say in awkward situations. I learned better manners and re-read it outloud to the boys and discussed every item. Everybody should read this book.
3 reviews3 followers
Read
January 13, 2015
Oh!!! What a beautiful read!
I especially enjoyed the practical approach in describing the various life situations. Now I'm scouting for other titles in the series.
Profile Image for Jacob O'connor.
1,629 reviews26 followers
October 15, 2015
+More sound advice

+Everything here is good 

-not much here

-could have used more scenarios-
175 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2016
Should be required reading. great examples of what to say, and what not to say
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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