. . . or the female equivalent thereof? (Which may, or may not be, a lady, depending upon your definition of one).
Country Life has published the following list of requirements for a modern gentleman. How well do you measure up?
DO'S
A gentleman...
Is at ease in any situations and puts others at their ease
Is always on time
Dresses to suit the occasion
Makes love on his elbows
Occasionally gets drunk, but never disorderly
Is mindful of others' financial circumstances
DONT'S
A gentleman does not...
Wear a pre-tied bow tie
Drink Malibu
Buy fuchsia trousers
Tweet
Put products in his hair
Wear Lycra
Write with a ballpoint
Plant gladioli
Own a cat
Judith Martin (in 'Miss Manners' Guide to Rearing Perfect Children') wrote:
"Miss Manners cannot think of a more succinct definition of a lady than 'someone who wants to punch another person on the nose, but doesn't' ".