The New Chivalry

I am a big fan of men being nice to women.

(And women being nice to men!)

Now-a-days it seems rare to see acts of old-fashioned chivalry. I think that many men would show such actions, but they are rendered afraid. With all the new "power women" (and all the junk that goes along with them) it is no wonder chivalry is flying out the window. Women are not as soft anymore. Women can be rough. (Not to mention nasty and mean!) Often men don't know what to do, or what women expect them to do -- when chivalry is concerned. To help, or not to help . . . that is the question. Some women like men to offer friendly assistance, and others will bite if assistance is offered.

We live in a day when old-fashioned chivalry is considered out-dated and unwanted. There is a "new way" of doing things now. I was just introduced to this "new way" a few days ago . . .

I was in a parking-lot waiting for Charles. I was watching people (as I always do) and I saw something I had never seen before . . . . A car pulled into a parking spot and a young man jumped-out of the passenger side of the vehicle. He then walked behind the car and quickly made his way over to the driver's side of the vehicle. He stopped at the driver's side door and courteously opened it for his lady-friend: the driver. It caught my attention, and struck me as a little odd. I guess she wanted the power of driving, and the politeness of door-opening, too? Hmmmm . . . interesting.

Don't get me wrong, I rarely allow Charles to do nice things like opening doors for me. When we were first dating I was taking Martial-Arts and I fancied myself a "tough-girl" (and I was!). I could do 50 knuckle push-ups and everything. I let him know that even though he was more than willing to do those nice things -- I was more than willing to get in and out of cars/buildings/etc. myself. It was not because of some power-struggle. No, I was (and am) just super impatient . . . waiting for someone to open a door for me is torture. I just want to get out (or in)!

However, I think it is adorable when I see chivalry in action, especially in older people. I love to see hand-holding, caring smooches, a man offering a lady his arm, door-opening, etc. It is so lovely. It is such a beautiful thing. It should not be lost. All those lovey-dovey things, or even just respectful/helpful things, should not be lost in the past. I love to see men treating women with respect. And I love to see women accepting it! (I need to get better at that!)

But I am not sure how I feel about this new form of chivalry? Women driving and expecting help out of the car . . . that just seems silly to me. Next thing you know, it will be the women driving and helping the men out of the car.