A "Gentleman"

But in today’s dizzyingly complex world of social media, hi-tech gadgets and endlessly fluctuating trends, modern men could be forgiven for being somewhat bewildered about what standards of behaviour are required.

Now Country Life has drawn up 39 rules that it says set the ground rules for modern male manners.

A man should wear a rose instead of a carnation, know when to clap, negotiate airports with ease and cook an omlette to die for  Photo: Alamy

The 39 steps to being a (modern) gentleman

1. Negotiates airports with ease
2. Never lets a door slam in someone's face
3. Can train a dog and a rose
4. Is aware that facial hair is temporary, but a tattoo is permanent
5. Knows when not to say anything
6. Wears his learning lightly
7. Possesses at least one well-made dark suit, one tweed suit, and a dinner jacket
8. Avoids lilac socks and polishes his shoes
9. Turns his mobile phone to silent at dinner
10. Carries house guests' luggage to their rooms
11. Tips staff in a private house and a gamekeeper
12. Says his name when being introduced
13. Breaks a relationship face to face
14. Is unafraid to speak the truth
15. Knows when to clap
16. Arrives at a meeting five minutes before the agreed time
17. Is good with waiters
18. Has two tricks to entertain children
19. Can undo a bra with one hand
20. Sings lustily in church
21. Is not vegetarian
22. Can sail a boat and ride a horse
23. Knows the difference between Glenfiddich and Glenda Jackson
24. Never kisses and tells
25. Cooks an omelette to die for
26. Can prepare a one-match bonfire
27. Seeks out his hostess at a party
28. Knows when to use an emoji
29. Would never own a Chihuahua
30. Has read Pride and Prejudice
31. Can tie his own bow tie
32. Would not go to Puerto Rico
33. Knows the difference between a rook and a crow
34. Sandals? No. Never
35. Wears a rose, not a carnation
36. Swats flies and rescues spiders
37. Demonstrates that making love is neither a race nor a competition
38. Never blow dries his hair
39. Knows that there is always an exception to a rule

As Mark Hedges, the magazine’s editor, says: “There is no higher accolade than to call a man a gentleman.”

The list covers a range of topics, including male grooming, use of technology, and competency in the great outdoors. While points such as being able to sail a boat and ride a horse would seem to fit within long-established gentlemanly conventions, a number of suggestions belong firmly in the 21st century.