A Gentleman Apologizes

First, let me apologize for Blogger. After struggling to work with them on why my posts have not been appearing, they finally fixed it. So, now you can read my post (obviously).

Second, let me preface this post by saying that this is a true event, and not one I am particularly proud of. Therefore, gentlemen, take note of not only what TO do, but also what NOT TO do.

Recently, there was a gathering of friends at my apartment. We were sitting around, talking about lots of things, and the subject of this blog came up. As there were guys in the room, I started to extol not simply my blog, but the necessity of being a gentleman. As I had the attention of the whole group, I stood on my soap box and lectured, more or less.

The problem came when I realized that although I was trying to convince my friends of the importance of being a gentleman, I was most definitely not being one. My girlfriend was in the room, and for most of the evening I'd been make jokes at her expense. Not only this, but I didn't think to treat as a lady - I simply treated her as an object. I was very tired, and not running on all cylinders, but that is no excuse.

When I realized how I was treating her, I knew that I didn't need to be there- I wasn't going to do any better by staying there. So, I simply said "Goodnight, all." and went into my bedroom, and shut the door. Soon thereafter, I went to bed, but not without thinking about how I was going to apologize to her.

The next day, I didn't get the chance to talk to her until after a bible study we both attend in the evening. Afterwards, I explained to her that I was tired, but that was no excuse. I apologized, and asked her forgiveness. I committed to be more aware of my words and actions, and asked her to help improve me by gently pointing out my weaknesses. She accepted the apology and agreed to help me improve.

The moral of the story is this: No man is too big to say "I'm sorry." And no gentleman says "I'm sorry" unless he truly means it.

Guys, be mindful of your actions, and don't blow the "little stuff" off - if you were wrong, apologize. To whoever. Not just your parents, not just your friends, not just your girlfriend - to whoever you hurt by your actions or words.

A man not only admits his mistakes, but works incredibly hard to correct them. So, fellas, take time this week to think about what you might have said or done that hurt someone, that you haven't apologized for. And after that, apologize - and mean it.

Signing off,
The Gentlemanly Doofus