"A gentleman always carries a handkerchief, and is ready to lend it especially to a weeping lady, should the need arise."
At first reading of this attribute, I was slightly disgusted. I have always found handkerchiefs to be unseemly. To watch someone pull a piece of cloth out of their pocket, evacuate their nostrils into it, and then replacing it, it makes my stomach turn. I am by no means a clean freak or germophobe, I just cannot understand the appeal.
Then I took a step back and realized that I was focusing on the wrong part of the attribute. The point is not that you carry a germ covered fabric square around in your pocket. Instead this is saying that you should not only be aware of the feelings, well being, and potential suffering of those around you, but you should be there to lend an ear, shoulder, or even a tissue if it is needed.
