Raising Gentlemen

There are many obstacles that I am facing raising my son to be a gentleman and not just your everyday "dude." So I have come up with some things that I want him to learn as he grows up so he knows how to properly behave and treat a woman! What would you add? Tell me in your comments!
The kitchen is NOT just for girls. Get in there and learn to use the damn stove.

You do not try to change who a girl is and you do not ever let a girl try to change who you are. If either of you do, you don't really love each other in the first place.

SHOWER. USE DEODORANT. TRIM YOUR NAILS. BRUSH YOUR TEETH AND GARGLE. GROOM YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY so you do not look or smell like a bum!

A dutch over is NEVER funny. Ever.

Breaking up with a girl over the phone is never acceptable. You need to do it face to face and as kindly as you can. If it would break your heart, it will most certainly break hers.

Understand when, where and how to use basic tools.

If you ever ask a girl if something is wrong and she answers, "no," she's lying. She's just testing you to see if you care enough to keep asking. Keep asking.

The job of a stay-at-home mom is just as hard as any out-of-home career, sometimes even more difficult. Remember that.

I taught you table manners. Use them.

You will never know a stronger pull than that of your friends trying to get you to participate in their wrong doing. Resisting makes you a man. Succumbing makes you a coward and a sheep.

NEVER use your fists to solve ANY dispute. One wrong punch could take a life and it could be yours. I taught you to speak eloquently--use what you have learned and use your words.

Condoms will save your life. And your girlfriends. Even better than that, abstinence. Wait, wait, wait.

Do not use the word Gay in a derogatory manner, EVER. I have raised you to be an incredibly accepting human--don't be ignorant.

Sexting is a federal offense--you WILL go to prison. Besides, you do not want to lower your own self-worth or self-respect and any girl that is willing to send you those kinds of messages is probably not the kind of girl you want to be with anyway.

Real girls do not look like Victoria's Secret models. Real girls come in every shape, size and color. Every person is beautiful.

ALWAYS hug and kiss your mother. She gave you life, she has raised you, she was the one that was there every single second of every single day. Always tell her you love her and you are grateful to her, every single day. You are never too old to love and respect your mother.

If someone drops something, help them pick it up. It is called lending a helpful hand. You have two hands, do it at least twice a day....more if the opportunity is presented to you!

Every girl is someone's sister, mom, daughter, friend, etc....Treat her the way you would want your's treated!

Using the phrases "please, thank you, yes/no ma'am and yes/no sir" will make you a more respectful and respected person.

Respect the elderly just as you would your own grandparents.

Be true to yourself. Stand up for what you believe in, but always respect the opinions of others. Every one is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions. Do not ever belittle somebody for being themselves.

Stand up for the underdog. Do not tolerate bullying. Remember: a person who sits back and watches the bullying without stepping in to stop it is just as responsible as the person doing the bullying.

Speak up.

Be a leader AND a follower. Playing both roles will give you a healthy life balance.

Try EVERYTHING at least once. Food, sports, creative arts....you will never know what you truly love if you don't open your mind.

If you aren't interested in a girl, do not say you will call her. Do not use her for a one night stand. Do not lead a girl on. EVER.

Tobacco is NOT cool. Neither are drugs. It will diminish your appearance, make you smell bad, and do ungodly things to your health. Please, do not get caught up in the hype. It is a nasty habit to smoke, chew, or use.