I am starting to get very tired of men who are trying to kill the principle of chivalry by abandoning gestures that make a woman feel special and cared for. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that I am physically strong with visible muscular development, or perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I am a mentally strong and independent woman. However, just about every woman I know likes having doors opened for her and having chairs pulled out when she is about to sit down. Call me old-fashioned, but I have always considered such things the mark of a gentleman rather than as a sign of male chauvinism.

Another thing that irks me is when men do not make any move to help if a woman is carrying a bunch of heavy items. Some will even complain that they do not want to be seen as strong men capable of lifting and moving heavy objects because then they feel obligated to help out. When you consider the fact that men outweigh women and have more muscle mass than women, wouldn’t it make sense to offer to help? I have moved 7-1/2 feet tall Noble Firs into the house for Christmas with no help whatsoever, almost throwing my back out in the process. I have also injured my shoulder and wrist when carrying heavy things by myself because men (make that BOYS) were unwilling to help out.

Just to make things very clear, I like having doors opened for me, and I regard offers to help me move items a sign of regard for my safety. I will never take such offers as insults. Men who do such things have manners, something that is seriously lacking in the younger generations.