Men and Manners Quotes

“Don’t over-share. We don’t need to see or hear it all, just the highlights.    The selfie is to be avoided. I know it may seem like a good idea and that everyone else is doing it, but stay strong. Something about it reeks of desperation. The likes will not set you free.    Keep the bragging to a minimum. Sharing your latest work or even the well-intended subtle flex is okay. Outright boasting will leave your audience wanting less.    Hashtags are a no-no. Hashtags serve a purpose for brands, but they should be left off any posts from your personal accounts. They look amateurish.    Avoid clogging the feed. Got a lot of exciting content? Stay measured and time-release it. Posting five images in a row will annoy even your biggest fans.    Tag someone only when it’s flattering. If you are posting a photo from your trip to Lisbon, make sure all parties look good in the chosen image. If someone has clearly overindulged, think twice before sharing. You would want the same courtesy.    Never under any circumstance should you confront someone about unfollowing you. That sort of behavior will make you the talk of the group chat, and not in a good way.    No spoilers. Your uncle in Los Angeles works in the industry and sent you a screener of the latest Oscar-worthy film. Watch it and enjoy it. Do not share any information about said film on social media. Your followers will be mad and so will your uncle.    Be yourself. With so many available platforms to share on, you might slip into a caricature of yourself. Make sure you always keep it real. Don’t be someone you aren’t—even if you are rewarded with likes and comments. Because self-awareness reigns supreme, online and off.    Never take it too seriously. Although social media has become ubiquitous in our modern era, it’s still not exactly real life. Hell, maybe put the phone down and take a stroll.”
― David Coggins, Men and Manners: Essays, Advice and Considerations

“My feeling about social media is that Instagram and Facebook should be sources of pleasure. Use them in ways that suit you, but also know people will be aware of how you use them. Social media is a way we present ourselves to the world. Like dressing, it’s not the most important thing, but it does imply how you see yourself.    Don’t get mad if people don’t engage with every single thing you do. It’s online. It’s not real life.    There are endless things I don’t like on Instagram: pictures of food, of cats, of watches, of cars. There are sites devoted to just those things and people love them. That’s just not for me. I like pictures of travel and architecture, usually without people in them, what my friend calls “boring pictures.” Let people have their cult ramen and I’ll have Scottish coastlines. There’s room for everybody.    However, if you do start sharing your fabulous life people will take your measure by it. So don’t misrepresent things. Naturally Instagram can become a fine edit, but try not to brag. The same way you wouldn’t in your analog life.    Be aware of how your interaction with your phone and Instagram is affecting those around you. Do you want to delay every meal, every course, with your art-directed overhead shot? Get one shot if you must, then put the phone away and enjoy dinner!”
― David Coggins, Men and Manners: Essays, Advice and Considerations

“Fashion for me is short-term; it’s shallow and changes all the time. Style is something personal and long-lasting. A person’s style should be a reflection of his personality.”
― David Coggins, Men and Manners: Essays, Advice and Considerations

“Dressing well is a sign of respect for wherever you’re going.”
― David Coggins, Men and Manners: Essays, Advice and Considerations