In bygone days a lady was a lady and a gentleman was a gentleman. Each had its role in society and knew how to respect the other. A gentleman held the door open for a lady and the lady would be thankful. At some point the lady wanted to open the door for herself and chivalry began to disappear and go into a deep hibernation.
A lady can do many of the same things as a gentlemen, in todays modern world. But I do recognize there are some things I as a lady can't do, be they physically or mentally. In todays society women and even our girls are being taught to be tough and not rely on a boy/man to support or assist them. Our boys are growing up not being able to recognize the difference between a lady and another member of the group of guys. I was recently told that if by chance a gentleman should open a door sometimes they are chastised by a women. What kind of message are we spreading ladies to our young gentlemen and those who were raised to be a gentleman if they are now chastised for being a gentleman?
I like being treated not only as a lady but as someone that is equal to the next guy. I work in a field where girls are still the minority, I am thankful for the opportunity to work in my career but at the same time I like the door to be opened for me. In today's society we can all still be ladies and gentlemen, it may not be by our grandmother's standards, but it can be of an all new standard. But it begins today with our young gentlemen and ladies. I have taught my boys to open doors, to assist a lady up or down stairs, lets face it todays shoes can be dangerous. They give up their seats on a bus, and they let ladies go first. They realize though ladies can do most of what they can do, and should be treated as equals; but at the same time treat them as ladies.
Chivalry is not dead, but is awakening from a long hibernation. I rejoice in its return and having the door opened for me and an elbow to hold as I walk in these new shoes.
