Bring the wide end under the narrow part of the tie.
4. Bring the wide end of the tie through the knot that has been created.
5. Pull the wide end of the tie down the front of your shirt.
TYING YOUR OWN TIE
6. Tighten the knot and draw it snug to your collar.
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A gentleman waits until after he has brushed his teeth before he puts on his tie. If he is already wearing his tie and then remembers that he hasn’t brushed his teeth, he flips the tie over his shoulder. That way, he makes sure he doesn’t get toothpaste drool all over it.
A gentleman does not use his tie as a napkin.
When he is wearing a tie, a gentleman takes extra care about eating things like pasta, ice cream, and any sandwich with lots of mustard or ketchup on it.
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Chapter 43
SHINING YOUR SHOES
If somebody asks you if you’ve been out plowing in a field, it’s probably time for you to give your shoes a shine.
You can’t wear sneakers all the time. Sometimes you are going to have to wear black or brown leather shoes. And every once in a while, those shoes are going to need some attention.
People really do look at your shoes. If you keep your shoes in good shape, they will figure you care about your appearance. They will also figure that you know how to take care of your possessions. On the other hand, if you walk around in muddy, scuffed shoes, you may hear comments from your parents such as:
• “How can you take care of a puppy when you can’t even take care of your shoes?”
• “How can you take care of a dirt bike when you can’t even take care of your loafers?”
• “How can you take care of a car when you can’t even take care of your shoes?”
Your shoes do not have to be fancy. But if you keep them clean, people will understand that you know how to take care of your property.
YOU DO
Shine your shoes when they need it. (And they need it whenever they’ve become scuffed or if they’ve picked up mud or dirt.)
YOU DON’T
Wait until your dad or mom tells you to get out the shoe polish.
Why
You have some self-respect. You want to look your best.
YOU DO
Get a professional shoe shine if you and your folks are at a good hotel, an airport, or some other place where shoe shine service is offered.
YOU DON’T
Assume it is uncool to sit on the shoe shine stand. In fact, people will think you are very cool, because they will understand that you really care about your appearance.
Why
If you watch the professional giving the shoe shine, you will see how the job really should be done. You will also be experiencing one of life’s great treats.
When a gentleman shines his shoes, he puts newspaper or an old towel down on the floor around him. He knows that shoe polish can make a big mess.
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When he’s shining his shoes, a gentleman will probably get some shoe polish on his hands, so he washes them as soon as the job is done.
If a gentleman gets a professional shoe shine, he tips the shoe shiner.
How to Shine a Pair of Leather Shoes
The necessary equipment: Soft cloth, wax polish, water, soft brush (optional).
The procedure:
1. Sprinkle a bit of warm water over the polish. (And yes, spit works just fine.)
2. Cover a finger with the soft cloth and use it to work the water into the polish.
3. Apply the polish to the shoe.
4. Work the polish into the leather.
5. Using a clean section of the cloth (or a soft brush), buff the leather to a brilliant shine.
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Chapter 44
WHEN TO TAKE OFF YOUR CAP
Baseball caps are great. They cover your head when you have a bad haircut or when you didn’t feel like washing your hair. They show your support for your favorite team or your favorite store or tractor. They protect you from the sun on a hot day.
No matter how great his baseball cap may be, however, a gentleman knows there are times when he takes it off, no matter how hot the sun may be.
YOU DO
Take off your cap when you sit down to eat.
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YOU DON’T
Think that, just because you are in a fast food restaurant, you can get away with leaving your cap on.
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