I just read this short article by Alan Goldsher titled "Is Chivalry Outdated?". I thought I'd share it with all of you.....
One of the dictionary definitions of "old-fashioned" is, "A style or method formerly in vogue; outdated."
Oftentimes, being a gentleman is considered old-fashioned. So if the dictionary is right, acting like a gentleman is outdated.
Is that really possible? Could being polite to your girl be outmoded? Is it archaic to treat a woman with the utmost respect at all times? Heck, no. We asked five single women to offer up some thoughts regarding the gentlemanliness — or lack thereof — of their significant others:
"Jon has the best manners. He never talks with his mouth full, he always makes sure there's a napkin in his lap and he never puts his elbows on the table."
— Sheila B., Bloomington, Ind.
Who'd have thought all that stuff your mother used to rail at you about every night at dinner would someday be useful in impressing chicks? Demonstrating good table manners is simple stuff, boys. Like that shoe company says, "just do it."
"I didn't even notice until recently, but Ray always walks on the inside of the sidewalk — the side closest to the street. Once I realized that, well, it kind of impressed me."
— Jessica L., Springfield, Mo.
This is considered a gentlemanly act because if there's a car wreck, Ray would bear the brunt of the blow, theoretically leaving Jessica unharmed. It sounds like Ray would be the sort of guy who would take a bullet for his girl. This begs the question, can eating lead be a gentlemanly act? Or would it just be stupid? Hmmm...
"Damon helped me with my coat for the first time a few weeks ago, and it surprised me so much that I dropped my purse and all the stuff inside went flying."
— Sharon S., Tampa, Fla.
The coat thing is always great, no doubt, but Damon should have done a better job picking his spot. Spontaneity is swell, but when you commit your first ever public gentlemanly act, make sure she sees you coming.
"My boyfriend Sam is a perfect gentleman. That is, except for when he spits on the sidewalk."
— Clarissa A., Athol, Mass.
Nobody's perfect. Nobody ever will be perfect. So you shouldn't even bother striving for perfection, because it's not gonna happen. That said, it's fairly easy to eliminate outdoor loogie hocking from your repertoire.
"If Pete would open the dang door once in a while, well, I wouldn't complain."
— Dina P., Rockford, Ill.
Pete needs to learn that it's pretty dang simple to open the dang door, not just once in a while, but all the dang time. And we're talking every door: the car door, the restaurant door, the front door, the back door, the elevator door. Okay, you can't open an elevator door, but you can at least hold the dang thing.
I really really hope chivalry is not dead in this crazy world we live in. I hold doors open for people (men or women) all the time and am dismayed at how surprised some people seem for this basic act of courtesy. I've also walked in right behind someone and had the door practically slam in my face.
I teach my two boys the basics....proper manners, etiquette, the value of being polite. They are no angels but they know the golden rules (mine at least) .... be nice to everyone you meet, be respectful, be honest, and be yourself! Ohhh....and the biggie.....they know that a boy/man never ever ever ever hits a woman. (Not that I've ever been abused myself but it's a damn good thing to teach all little boys!!!!!) I hope they grow up opening doors, helping put on coats, etc. I have faith they will!
