Taigan Fetch Magazine by Taigan

When in doubt, wear a tie. That line is just one of the excellent pieces of advice gathered in Walker Lamond’s Rules for My Unborn Son. A refreshing, urbane, and often very funny guide to civilized behavior in an era when we need it most, the book is a must-read (and a must-gift) not just for men and boys, but also for the women who, as Lamond admits, usually end up being the enforcers. Inspired by the author’s father and completed just after the birth of his son, it offers timeless advice from such sages as Mark Twain (Courage is not the absence of fear, it is acting in spite of it) as well as new rules for new times (Never post a picture online you wouldn’t feel comfortable showing your mother, your boss, and the dean of admissions). In this age of Jon and Kate, Twitter, and generally exhibitionist behavior, we especially love: Avoid gossip and Never go out of your way to be on TV. Then there are the rules that would apply just as well (or better) to daughters: Don’t date the bartender and Trust the concierge.

Below, a LIST of a dozen more of our favorites:

Never switch a seating card.

Don’t pose with booze.

Don’t tip the owner. A handshake will do.

At funerals, a dark suit is fine. You shouldn’t own a black one.

Write letters. On paper.

If you’ve made your point, stop talking.

If you can afford it, own your own tuxedo.

There is no reason to tell anyone you are leaving the bar.

Take your sunglasses off indoors. This includes elevators and planes.

Wear a pocket square. The corner of a bed sheet will work in a pinch.

Be a good wingman.

And most important of all: No ma’am. No sir. No exceptions.

Shop Sid Mashburn on TAIGAN for Walker Lamond’s Rules for my Unborn Son and for the Sid Mashburn knit ties from Italy pictured above.

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