Afternoon gents, it’s Max from The Young Gentleman’s Guide here! As strange as the subject of today’s article may be, I think it’s an incredibly important thing for young men to know. And when  I say “speak like a gentleman”, I actually don’t mean how to speak more eloquently or professionally, though I may get to that in a later article. I literally mean how to give your voice that specific tone and timbre in order to make it sound more mature and, for lack of a better word, “manly.” So without any further delay, let’s get started!

In reality, there’s really only one real tip I can give to improve your gentlemanly voice, but trust me, this tip will go a long way. This is actually a technique I learned for singing that applies just as well to speaking. This can be a bit difficult to explain, but in short, what you’ll want to do is focus your voice more into your head or hard palate. If you don’t understand me, here’s a good way to test yourself. Plug your nose and try to speak. As silly as that sounds, this is the perfect way to practice this. Pretty much everybody tends to focus their voice into the front of their heads and their nose, and if you were to plug your nose while speaking that way, you’d most likely end up with the stereotypical squeaky, nasally voice that I’m sure we’ve heard before. But if you focus your voice properly, you should be able to speak with your normal voice even with your nose plugged (even though you’ll still get “d” and “b” sounds when trying to pronounce “n” and “m”). And even after you unplug your nose and continue to focus your voice this way, you may notice that your voice is just more full and more resonant. Whether you’re giving a presentation, meeting someone new, or just conversing with friends, it’ll make you sound so much more mature and sophisticated.

So there it is! Follow this one simple tip, and I’m sure you’ll win over a ton of people with just your voice. I’ll get to the eloquence and actual words of speech later on in another article, but if there’s anything else you can think of to help improve these young gentlemans’ voices, please leave it in the comments below! In any case, I hope you enjoyed reading today’s article. Please be sure to share the article, follow the blog, follow The Young Gentleman’s Guide on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and support us on Patreon. And on that note, this is Max from The Young Gentleman’s Guide, and I’ll see you next time!

Afternoon gents, it’s Max from The Young Gentleman’s Guide here! Today’s article is, surprise surprise, inspired by another article by Elena from A Vintage Athenian. In this article, Elena speaks about how the art of flirtation has evolved over the years. She gives some optimal advice for both young men and women to heed when approaching each other in the romantic manner. So today, I thought I would throw my hat into the ring and give you young gents some pointers on how to snag some digits from that certain woman.

1. Approach her in person

I’m sure we’ve all done or seen it before. Someone leaves a flirtatious comment under an attractive woman’s photo online in an attempt to woo her, which more often than not leads to nothing developing unless he then “slides into her DMs” as people say. Technology has no doubt played a huge role in how we interact with people, but it has seriously downplayed the art of flirtation. If you really want to win over a lady, you should approach her in person. Even if nothing develops between the two of you, you’ll still end up developing a better connection than you would just send messages back and forth on Facebook.

2. Be complementary, but not predatory

While the line between those two adjectives seems to be dissolving more and more as time goes on, a real gentleman knows the difference between complimenting a woman and acting like an animal. If you want to compliment a woman without being creepy or predatory, complement on what she’s wearing or how she has her hair done. Saying something like “That dress looks great on you” or “I love how you’ve done your hair” will be much more flattering to a woman than saying you like her breasts or her rear. While those two things can definitely contribute to how attractive a woman is to you, straight up commenting on her body like that can be incredibly demeaning, not to mention it just makes you look and sound like an animal.

3. Don’t be too pushy

This is probably the most difficult line specifically for men to draw. There are very few things to be admired more than a gentleman with ambition, determination, and persistence. That said, there is a difference between pursuing a woman and being pushy. If you’re pursuing a woman, you strike up a conversation with her and try to get to know her, but you also recognize if she’s not interested, and stop pursuing her then. Being pushy means that you keep trying to have a conversation with her even if she’s already made it clear, whether verbally or not, that she’s not interested. And there is no circumstance in which you should ever chase after her. By that point you’ll just appear to be desperate, and no one, especially a woman would find that attractive.

4. Just be yourself

I know this may sound like just typical bumper sticker advice, but even as cliché as it may sound, it will go a long way. You should obviously be confident whenever you approach a woman, but there is a huge difference between being confident and being fake. If you end up striking a conversation, keep it colloquial, and just talk about things that she might find attractive in you. In my case, I would most likely tell her that I play in a band. It’s simple, colloquial, and a lot of ladies might find that attractive. Just be confident, be yourself, and keep it simple.

So there we have it! I’m obviously not saying that all of these plans are completely foolproof, but I’m willing to bet that any of you gents who practice these things will end up snagging some digits before the end of the night! If there are any tips we may have missed, please let us know in the comments, send us an email at younggentlemansguide@gmail.com, or check out Elena’s article about this subject! In any case, I hope you enjoyed reading today’s article. Please be sure to share the article, follow the blog, follow The Young Gentleman’s Guide on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and support us on Patreon. And on that note, this is Max from The Young Gentleman’s Guide, and I’ll see you next time!

Afternoon gents, it’s Max from The Young Gentleman’s Guide here! So, if you couldn’t guess by the title, today’s article will be a continuation of the first cocktail guide I put up back in January. If you missed it, the link is right here. I thought that article was incredibly fun to make, so I thought I would bring you some more drinks to share with your friends at your next get-together!

Disclaimer: While I will be talking about alcoholic beverages and encouraging my readers to enjoy said beverages, I also encourage them to drink responsibly. I will not be responsible for the consequences of your actions if you overdrink or get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Please be careful and know your limits.

1. Tom Collins

Ingredients: 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 of simple syrup, club soda, garnish with 2 lemon slices

The drink so popular they named the glass after it! Originating in England after being memorialized in the Fortnightly Review magazine in 1891, this drink can be the perfect summer refresher. It’s almost like a more classy and adult variation of lemonade.

2. Mint Julep

1⁄4 oz of raw sugar syrup, 8 mint leaves, 2 oz of bourbon, garnish with 1 mint sprig

Introduced by U.S. Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky during the eighteenth century, this is a classy drink most commonly associated with the American South and the Kentucky Derby. Pretty much anyone who enjoys classic “minty freshness” will be in for a real treat with this cocktail.

3. White Russian

2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of kahlúa, heavy cream (or milk or half & half depending on your tastes)

Anyone who’s seen the 1998 Coen Brothers film The Big Lebowski knows that this is the beverage of choice for Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski. In fact, it was that movie that brought this drink back into the sunlight, since it was never really that popular since it was introduced in 1965. Nonetheless, this can be an interesting cocktail for those looking for something a little outside the box.

4. Screwdriver

1 1/2 oz of vodka, orange juice

First appearing in literature as far back as 1938, this cocktail can be a perfect alternative to the mimosa, which I mentioned in the last cocktail guide. Just as refreshing as the mimosa, this beverage can be the perfect choice with your Sunday brunch.

5. Irish Coffee

Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz of Irish Whiskey, 1 oz brown sugar syrup, hot brewed coffee

While the term “Irish coffee” can refer to most alcoholic coffee drinks colloquially, nowadays the term is most commonly associated with this recipe that most people are familiar with. Travel writer Stanton Delaplane is credited with bringing it to the US after working with the Buena Vista Cafe to start serving it back as early as 1952. Anyone looking for either an accompaniment to their breakfast or a decent nightcap should give this one a try!

So there we have it! Those are just five (5) more cocktails for you gents to try and experiment with. For those who are wonder, most of the recipes I found for this guide came from liquor.com, so if there are any other cocktails you’re interested in looking into, be sure to check them out! In any case, I hope you enjoyed reading today’s article. Please be sure to share the article, follow the blog, follow The Young Gentleman’s Guide on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and support us on Patreon. And on that note, this is Max from The Young Gentleman’s Guide, and I’ll see you next time!

Afternoon gents, it’s Max from the Young Gentleman’s Guide here! So, today’s article will really only apply if those of you reading live in the United States, (and I’ve been seeing a lot more readers from outside the U.S. lately) but today I wanted to give you not necessarily a guide like the title may suggest, but just ways that I’ve celebrated America’s Independence day in years past in the hopes that I can give you readers some inspiration in case you need to find something to do (except I won’t be including things like parades or fireworks shows, since those are both essentially a given). So without any further delay, let’s get started!

1. A barbecue

It’s no secret that one of the cornerstones of American culture is the typical barbecue, whether it be at a park, a picnic area, or even your backyard. So it’s also no surprise that one of the best ways to celebrate the 4th is such a barbecue. Get together with some friends and family, grill some burgers and hot dogs, have some corn on the cob, and maybe have a beer or a patriotic cocktail (thanks to liquor.com for that inspiration)! This is just the perfect carefree way to celebrate the America’s independence, not to mention the most delicious!

2. Family get-together

This may or may not go hand-in-hand with the aforementioned barbecue, but it’s still a great way to celebrate the holiday. This is a tradition we hold dear in my family. We always get together at my grandparents’ vacation house in the small town of Independence, California to celebrate with everyone (except we can’t do it this year since so many people are so busy). But in any case, getting to spend Independence with friends and family is sure to make the celebration that much more jovial and exciting!

3. Listening to American music

Obviously one of the biggest cornerstones of the culture of any nation is its music, and the United States is no different. In my opinion, the best way to show appreciation for our country and its independence is listening to classic American music. And I’m not talking about typical American pop like Miley Cyrus’ Party in the USA, I mean songs and artists that truly represent America and its freedom. Things like Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run, the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s In the Mood, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. For those of you who are interested, I actually have a 4th of July playlist on Spotify that would be great for your 4th of July celebrations!

4. Honoring your American Heroes

This one might sound a little strange, but bear with me. Last year on 4th of July, I decided to put up a post on my personal Instagram showcasing a collection of people who are my personal American heroes. I believe that doing something like this shows a much better appreciation for America, its freedom, and its people. If any of you reading this decide to do something like this, please be sure to let me know, I would be very happy to see a post like that spread!

So there we have it! Those are just some of the ways I’ve celebrated Independence Day in the past, and I’m hoping this at least gave you an inspiration for something you might want to do to add to the celebration of America’s independence. I hope you all have a very happy and safe Independence Day, stay safe, drink responsibly, and be very careful with fireworks! I hope you enjoyed reading today’s article. Please be sure to share the post, follow the blog, follow The Young Gentleman’s Guide on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and support us on Patreon. And on that note, this is Max from The Young Gentleman’s Guide, and God bless America!

Afternoon gents, it’s Max from the Young Gentleman’s Guide here! So this article is actually the second half of a collaboration I’m doing with my dear friend Elena, owner and head writer for A Vintage Athenian. We have two articles coming out today, one on her blog and one on mine. So if you missed the first part of this list, be sure to check it out right here! And if you just came from there, then welcome! Entries 7 and 9 will be presented by Elena and entries 6, 8, and 10 will be presented by yours truly. So without any further delay, let’s get to the rest of the list!

6. Red 360° by Perry Ellis for men

The very first cologne I’ve ever used, this fragrance is a perfect fit for pretty much any occasion! Relatively cheap, yet still very classy, this fragrance is a great place to start for those of you who have never used cologne before. One thing it has going for it is its wide range of ingredients. Its top notes consist of citrus and juniper berry, middle notes consist of red apple, sichuan pepper, red leather, and amber, and base notes consist of sage, oakmoss, and sandalwood. This blend of scents makes for a perfect sweet and spicy fragrance that works for just about anything!

7. Diamonds and Emeralds by Elizabeth Taylor for women

This one is another favorite of mine which I wear in class or when I visit friends or relatives. It’s definitely something more casual and affordable too, but it still has a very beautiful scent! This fragrance was released in 1993 and its main accords are white floral. Its top notes consist of so many ingredients! White rose, gardenia, apricot, fresh mandarin, juicy peach, sage, hyacinth, orange blossom and green accords. The heart is enriched with floral sweet jasmine, lily of the valley, carnation, seductive tuberose, rose, magnolia and Tiger lily while the base notes include vanilla, amber, musk, patchouli and tonka beans. Of course as every Elizabeth Taylor fragrance, the bottle is extremely elegant and gives you that old Hollywood feeling!

8. Aventus by Creed

Definitely the most interesting fragrance on this list, this one is meant to be a tribute to Emperor Napoleon, with ingredients and notes dedicated to different aspects of his life. Such notes include “Pineapple, his favorite food; Blackcurrant from Corsica, his hometown; and Ambergris from the ocean, representing his navy.” On top  of that, middle notes consist of rose, dry birch, and Moroccan jasmine, and base notes consisting of oak moss, musk, and vanilla. This is meant to exude a sense of class and elegance, perfect for if you’re attending any high-end affair. The only downfall is that Creed Aventus is not very cheap, but according to those who use this fragrance, you’ll absolutely get what you pay for!

9. La Vie Est Belle by Lancôme for women

This fragrance used to be, and still is, my favorite since it was released in 2012! Not only is its aroma impressive, but its name gives you such a positive attitude towards life and that’s what made me buy it at the beginning! Its main accords are mostly sweet with its main ingredient being iris! The top notes consist of black currant and pear while the middle notes include orange blossoms and jasmine. Finally, the base contains tonka bean, praline, patchouli and vanilla. La vie est belle in French means ”life is beautiful” and the concept of this fragrance was to promote natural beauty and  happiness! It wants to give a positive outlook on life, by focusing on joy in small things!

10. La Nuit De L’homme by Yves Saint Laurent

Whether you’re looking to snag some digits, or are planning a special night with that special someone, this fragrance is a great choice not just for those occasions, but it also works for any season! It’s the perfect blend of sweet and sexy. The top notes consist of almost entirely cardamom, middle notes consist of bergamot, Virginia cedar, and lavender, and base notes consist of Vetiver & Caraway. Again, a perfect choice for date night or even just a night on the town. Anyone who uses cologne will say that this one is an essential, and this one is absolutely at the top of my list!

So there we have it! That’s our list of our favorite fragrances and colognes/perfumes. While this list is obviously much more opinion-based than a lot of our other lists, but hopefully this will give you readers some inspiration as to what fragrance you may want to try out! I want to say a huge thank you to Elena for her contributions and her wonderful writing. Again, if you missed Part 1 of this list, be sure to check it out on A Vintage Athenian and show it some love! In any case, I hope you enjoyed reading today’s article. Please be sure to share the post, follow the blog, follow The Young Gentleman’s Guide on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and support us on Patreon. And on that note, this is Max from The Young Gentleman’s Guide, and I’ll see you next time!

Sources

http://colognebuys.com/cologne/guide-to-colognes/

https://gearpatrol.com/2017/12/27/best-classic-colognes/

https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Shulton-Company/Old-Spice-Original-14746.html