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(Picture: Country Life)

The 21st century gentleman is so much more than a well-oiled moustache, top hat and tweed jacket.

These days being able to correctly use an emoji, polish your own shoes and entertain young children is all part of being a true gent.

At least, that’s according to a new list by Country Life drawn up by the magazine’s deputy editor Rupert Uloth.

So, how do you spot a true gent? Look out for these.


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

passionate kiss

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) Swats flies and rescues spiders

22) Is not vegetarian

23) Can sail a boat and ride a horse

24) Knows the difference between Glenfiddich and Glenda Jackson

25) Never kisses and tells

26) Cooks an omlette to die for

27) Can prepare a one-match bonfire

28) Seeks out his hostess at a party

29) Knows when to use an emoji

30) Wears a rose, not a carnation

31) Would never own a Chihuahua

Milly the chihuahua (Picture: Guinness World Records/PA)

32) Has read Pride and Prejudice

33) Can tie his own bow tie

34) Would not go to Puerto Rico

35) Knows the difference between a rook and a crow*

Which is which?

36) Sandals? No. Never

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

*The crow is on the left

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