155
Let’s face it. There are going to be times when you will have to wear a tie. At some point you are going to go to a wedding, a funeral, a fancy dinner, or maybe even a play or a concert where a tie will be required. (Some guys even have to wear a tie to school—every day.) For men of all ages, wearing a tie is like paying taxes. It’s just something you have to do.
If it is tied correctly, the tip of the tie should come right to your belt. Not three inches above it. Not six inches below it. If you don’t get it right the first time, try again. Until you know how to get it right the first time, give yourself lots of time to practice in front of a mirror.
Just say no to clip-on ties. If you are old enough to be reading this book, you are old enough to tie your own tie. Even if your parents try to talk you into wearing a clip-on tie, tell them that you think you are man enough to start tying your own tie.
156
Here are the steps to tying your own tie. You know how to reach the tenth level in a video game. This is a lot easier than that. So don’t even start the “this is too hard for me” bit.
Four-in-Hand Knot
1. The wide end of the tie should hang down below the narrow end. Cross the wide end over the narrow end.
2. Bring the wide end under and then over the narrow end.
3. Bring the wide end under the narrow part of the tie.
4. Bring the wide end of the tie through the knot that has been created.
5. Pull the wide end of the tie down the front of your shirt.
TYING YOUR OWN TIE
6. Tighten the knot and draw it snug to your collar.
159
A gentleman waits until after he has brushed his teeth before he puts on his tie. If he is already wearing his tie and then remembers that he hasn’t brushed his teeth, he flips the tie over his shoulder. That way, he makes sure he doesn’t get toothpaste drool all over it.
A gentleman does not use his tie as a napkin.
When he is wearing a tie, a gentleman takes extra care about eating things like pasta, ice cream, and any sandwich with lots of mustard or ketchup on it.