What’s Wrong in This Photo? The “Street-Side” Rule of a True Gentleman
The image looks ordinary at first: a man and a woman walking together on a city sidewalk. But the caption challenges viewers with a classic etiquette question: “What’s wrong here?” and claims “Only a true gentleman knows.” The “mistake” is not about clothing or posture—it’s about where each person is walking.
The Key Detail: Who Walks Closest to the Street
In traditional Western etiquette, the man is expected to walk on the side closest to the road (the curb side) when walking with a woman. In the photo, the woman is closest to the street while the man walks closer to the wall, which is why the meme labels it “wrong.”
Why This Rule Exists (Historically)
This custom developed as a practical safety habit in busy streets, long before modern sidewalks were clean and predictable. The idea was that the man on the curb side could:
- Shield the woman from splashes (mud, water, grime from passing vehicles or puddles)
- Create a buffer from traffic (carts, bicycles, cars, sudden movement near the curb)
- Guide or protect in crowded areas (reducing jostling or accidental contact)
In short, it was an old-fashioned way to show care, awareness, and protection in public spaces.
What “A True Gentleman” Is Supposed to Do
If someone follows the traditional rule, the “gentleman” would:
- Move to the curb side (closest to traffic)
- Let the companion walk on the inside (closer to buildings)
- Adjust positions when needed (for example, switching sides when crossing the street)
Modern Reality: Etiquette With Respect
Today, not everyone follows this rule, and that is completely normal. Modern manners often focus more on mutual comfort and consent than strict traditions. A respectful approach is:
- Prioritize safety (traffic-heavy streets, narrow sidewalks, nighttime walking)
- Communicate naturally (“Want the inside?” or simply switching positions politely)
- Avoid forcing it if the other person prefers walking a certain way
Bottom Line
The meme’s “answer” is simple: the man is walking on the inside while the woman is on the street side, which contradicts the traditional etiquette rule. Whether people still follow it is personal—but it remains a well-known symbol of old-school courtesy.
