|
Chivalry's dead, and women killed
it
By Mikaylie Kartchner
December 21, 2005 | Dating used to
be easy -- well, easier. Dad would go out and pick a
nice man for his daughter and they got married. That
was the end.
But it's not like that now. We're all about women's
rights -- the right to choose, the right to be treated
fairly. Boy, did we muddy the water.
It's not that I'm complaining. Being a woman myself,
I am in favor of women being treated fairly. I think
women can do just about anything men can, with a few
minor and unimportant exceptions. But I think there
is a line and, at least in some ways, it's been crossed.
There used to be certain things expected of a guy
while he's courting a girl. The boy was in charge of
making the first move, showing interest in a woman then
asking her on a date. He's to wine and dine her, treat
her like a queen by opening doors, pulling out chairs,
standing when she enters the room.
The woman? Well, she was in charge of making and keeping
him interested. She would doll up, "accidentally" run
into him at the store, maybe even stroke his ego a little
by asking for his help with things she could have done
herself. Then, once the "I dos" were exchanged, the
woman took care of the house -- cooking, cleaning, and
so on -- while hubby brought home the dough.
But somewhere, somehow, in the middle of this feminist
revolution everyone has gotten into, women have become
so busy expanding their roles they've forgotten about
some of their most vital jobs and, it turn, the guys
have gotten confused about their roles as well.
Chivalry is dead. And women killed it.
Back in the day, men were naturally expected to open
doors and pull out chairs for the women in the world
and doing so didn't mean the man thought the woman couldn't
do it herself. It was simply a gesture of respect, acknowledgement
for the scared and appreciated role women play in the
world. And women loved it!
In general, I'd say they still do. Women love to be
treated well by guys and that doesn't always mean they
want to be showered with expensive gifts. Simply said,
women want to be respected and appreciated for what
they do and even more for who they are. And those chivalrous
manners, so commonly dismissed, are one of the greatest
ways to show that respect.
But guys are afraid to do it. Either they've had a
bad experience, some feminist snapped at them, or they've
heard of things like that happening and don't want to
offend anyone. Either way, they're really confused,
and it's time the women of the world put an end to it.
Especially since women complain when guys don't do it.
Let's set the record straight.
For all you men out there who have been bitten for
being chivalrous, consider this an apology and a promise
that we, the women of the world, are trying to be better.
We are trying to remember you guys aren't scum and that
you are just trying to show you respect and admiration
for the female populace when you employ those exemplary
manners on our behalf. Keep it up!
And if, by chance, you men come across a woman who
doesn't understand the rules of chivalry and would eat
you alive for even considering to help her on with her
coat -- well, don't let it get to you. Remember she's
the exception. There are still many women out there
waiting for your acts of chivalry.
NW
MS |
