Just a few days ago, I happened to find my way to Wal-Mart to pick up some essentials. Almost as soon as I walked in, I was passed by a family on their way out, and I noticed something awkward. The woman was pushing a packed cart, and holding a small child by the hand. The man with her was carrying a small bag, and apparently laughing at some random joke. As we walked past each other at the Entrance/Exit, her cart became stuck at automatic doors. The guy walked ahead, and the last thing I hear is “What’s the matter. C’mon”. That’s all I managed to hear as I walked in.
What’s the matter? Maybe it’s just me, but since when does a guy let his woman carry that kind of load around? If that’s not bad enough, she is obviously stuck at the door, and all he could muster is a “C’mon”?
After being thoroughly disgusted by that situation, I continued on my way. I began to encounter similar situations as the day went on. I lost count of all the guys who apparently enjoy carrying much less than their significant others, if anything at all. While out with friends later that evening, I couldn’t help but notice the legions of guys who don’t open doors, or pull out chairs.
Two days ago, I saw some poor guy carrying what seemed to be a dozen bags from a clothing store, and still managed to open the door for the woman he was with. That was the only example of a decent act I saw all week. Albeit he almost fell over doing it, but the fact is he did it.
Did I miss the memo? I don’t recall receiving an e-mail explaining any Anti-Chivalry Laws. Maybe CNN reported on a possible link between Chivalry and Cancer, and I missed it? For reasons that escape me, it seems that the “Gentleman” should be the next living thing to be added to the endangered species list. Unfortunately, bringing back the Gentleman’s habitat will be challenging, since they do not frolic in the rainforests, nor are they affected by global warming.
While growing up, I was always taught that being gentleman was a 24/7 job. Not simply for a first date, or for a few months until you’re sick of it. There is no reward to be expected, nor should your chivalrous ways be limited for certain types of persons.
When I asked my fellow men, I heard a lot of gripes regarding this. I must have heard the same answers all day, and I will share some here:
- “Women don’t appreciate a Gentleman, so why even do it?”
- “It's not like I get anything for acting like that.”
- “Girls today like Bad-Boys. Being a Gentleman to them is like shooting yourself in the foot.”
- “I don’t open doors anymore, because they always tell me they can do it themselves.”
- “Chivalry is for old guys who have nothing else to offer.”
My favorite excuse is the last one, as I can only assume he ment material objects, or good looks.
It’s sad to think I’m going extinct like some prehistoric creature. The way I see it, Chivalry is not dead. It seems to be in critical condition in some obscure hospital were no one attends to it. Has anyone noticed this increasing trend besides me?
