How to be a Man

As FINE Magazine celebrates men in this June issue, it seemed appropriate to interview the go-to gentleman, who knows "How to be a Man" and has even written a book by the same name. This gent has mastered the art of living, inspiring others with instruction tempered with humor.

So, men, take heed. Pour yourself a glass of cognac, light a cigar and listen carefully to the words of wisdom from Gentleman Norman. Because while he may only be 9 inches tall and weigh in at less than 6 pounds, one thing is for certain: Gentleman Norman knows how to make a woman happy.

[Shown above: Laura Martella with Gentleman Norman]

Love at first sight is easy with GN, who certainly knows how to make hearts go pitter-patter. With more than 1,300 Facebook fans and 4,000 Twitter followers, this small but sage gentleman speaks from experience.

So, here is Gentlemen Norman’s A-list of gentlemanly wisdom:

• Appearance: Always be well groomed and remember cologne is only for people who get close to you.
• Approach: Women like eye contact.
• Affection: You can sit close without being inappropriate.
• Attitude: Act interested in all that she does as you smile adoringly.
• Advice: Have a florist and a jeweler on speed dial.
• Admiration: Always remember to respect and honor those who served.
• Admit Defeat: A good man is never too proud to ask for directions.
• Acknowledge: Your roots— don’t forget where you came from.
• Act: Interested in all that she does.
• Award: Remember to take care of the people who take care of you.
• Adapt: To unfamiliar environments—like the girly sections of a store.
• Assets: Share yours with others in need.

Follow Gentleman Norman’s example, and just watch the women gravitate to you. Of course, it also helps to be small, cute and cuddly.

So How did Norman become the voice of manners and etiquette?

Norman started his life as a show dog, with attention being poured on him as he was prepared to capture coveted blue ribbons. All of this primping and pampering got the best of the Pomeranian and his ego, until life became all about him. Luckily, he retired after only one year—which is when he met Rancho Santa Fe resident Laura Martella. Over the years, they taught each other the basic lessons of life and love. For both of them, it is now all about giving back—and they both do so with such grace and gratitude.

[Shown above: Gentleman Norman]

Norman has now earned the title of Gentleman Norman, and now when he is the center of attention, it is to do something good for the cause, specifically select chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association. GN has traveled to San Francisco, Beverly Hills, Manhattan, Atlanta and Sea Island, Ga., to promote the cause. And portions of his book go toward helping to eradicating that disease.

By popular demand, Gentleman Norman has now become the San Diego event mascot. His social calendar is quite filled with special appearances at various events helping to raise funds for our local nonprofits. Or, you can catch him at his favorite spots: breakfasting at Thyme in the Ranch or lunching at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, where you can catch him holding court and dispensing advice to his fans. He has become an unofficial ambassador for all that is proper and good in the world today. We can all learn something from this diminutive dynamo, who reminds us that big is just an attitude.

Special thanks to Martella and Gentleman Norman for reminding us that manners do count—and giving back is better than a blue ribbon.

For more info, visit gentlemannorman.com. 

Update on this article (sense this article was published Gentleman Norman has Passed away in 2014)