Do you remember the tales from when you were young? The chivalry of men, how they would throw their coats over puddles of water to save your shoes or hold open a door to let you through first? What has happened to these men? Did they all disappear back to Mars?
Of course, there is equality, as I have no doubt many would argue that women should be just as chivalrous as men, but personally that signals the end of life as we know it. For centuries most men have been courteous and chivalrous, but that seems to be fading into the ether and what we will be left with is a world of slamming doors and walking through puddles. In other words, manners will have evaporated.
That’s what cavalry is at the end of the day. Common courtesy and good manners. Perhaps the expectation of a gentleman placing his coat in a puddle so the ladies’ Christian Louboutin won’t get water damaged is going a bit far, but understandable. Mr. Darcy would be horrified.
What has caused the sudden change in male and female behavior? Potentially it’s a combination of women wanting to be considered equal as much as possible, both men and women lose their ability to be polite by acknowledging the courtesy extended to them, and of course there’s the old feminism.
It is increasingly common for people not to recognize the good deeds that strangers or acquaintances do for them. Surprisingly, this is becoming particularly apparent in the elderly. However, respect goes both ways and they, for their part, should acknowledge this fact.
Then there’s equality and feminism which, generally speaking, allows for even more courtesy sharing and definitely shouldn’t allow bad manners. Women, if you want to be the one to open the door, then you are more than welcome to do so and vice versa for men. However, whatever you do, don’t let it smack behind you into the face of the person following you.
Oh, and one last thing, remember to say thank you if another human being, male or female, gives you even a small kindness, as they have taken a moment out of their day to make sure yours is just that little bit better.