Mr. Manners

The coatroom is a mundane task that never makes the dating highlight reel unless some really unfortunate dating disaster occurs. If the restaurant or event site is arranged in assembly line fashion from entrance/coat check/bar/reception area/etc., with everyone proceeding through it, then helping a lady with her coat just before approaching the coat check counter would be appropriate. If the coat room is off to the side or downstairs, then things become trickier. A lady should not be left alone if at all possible. If with another couple, it is easy for both gentlemen to get their ladies’ coats and leave the ladies in each other’s company until the gentlemen return. Oftentimes, gentlemen split jobs up, where one pays for the coats and the other procures refreshments for everyone. Gentlemen should alternate paying for drinks or else decide in advance to pay separately. If company for the lady can’t be found, or if there isn’t a display of art or music for her to observe in the gentleman’s absence, then the lady may accompany the gentleman to the coat room area where she should wait to the side while the gentleman checks the coat. Alternatively, she may use the time-tested powder room excuse. Employing this facial appearance improvement tactic has the strategic advantage of deceptively and tactfully stalling for time so the gentleman can check the coats and coordinate the evening’s festivities.

Mr. Manners is a recurring feature in the KA, courtesy of Lt. Col. Daniel Bruzzini.