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I think the "weaker sex" thing isn't relevant to chivalry as it is described in this thread. I think that "wearker, sexually" is more apt. Men compete for women. Women might put on makeup and wear uncomfotable heels, but more often than not the man auditions for the woman, not the other way around. How do we compete? Well, in many ways. One of those ways is the preferential treatment of old. Is it bad? No, not unless you treat them like they're less than human. I'm not threatening a woman's right to vote or to be paid equal wages by standing when she leaves or comes back to the dinner table. I'm treating her with respect, and that is something to be admired, not critically subjected to odd assosciations with sexism. Wehn I open a door for my wife, I do so with the full knowledge that she could have opened the door herself. She's quite strong. I do so because I love her dearly. I do so because the act of opening a door for a woman communicates respect, admiration, and even attraction (in certian cases). It's like singing her a song or writing her a poem, but not as embarassing. Am I endangering her gender? Pfft. When I open doors for women I don't know, at the store, at church, at school, I do so out of respect. I doubt any of them walk through the door thinking, "That asshole disrepects my gender!" I'm sure they simply appreciate the gesture.
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