Gentlemen are an Endangered Species
Posted by revolverroach at 06:42 AM on December 18, 2005.
When I stepped out to buy some bread this morning I noticed a young couple (mid-teens by the look) hanging around the front of our building. No big.
On my way back I saw them again. The girl was obviously shivering from the cold (I doubt that the spaghetti-strap top that barely reached her navel could provide any real warmth). The guy on the other hand was chattering away, nice and toasty in his expensive leather jacket.
Not to sound sexist or anything but I was raised with the belief that women are the 'weaker sex' and therefore should be treated with extra care. Don't they teach kids chivalry anymore? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out where and when to exercise courtesy.
The basic rule of chivalry is: Do what you can to put a female/child/sick/elder in a position that is comfortable and/or out of danger, even if it is to your disadvantage.
Too hard? Then how about a few examples?
1. Walking
How simple can you get? When walking alongside a female/child/sick/elder, place yourself between them and the flow of traffic. Why? Because if you're hit by a car, you're more likely to survive. Unless you're frail or out of shape, in which case you'll simply die a noble death.
2. Public Transport
This one's a bit tricky. If you're on a bus or train, you should give up your seat to a female/child/sick/elder, UNLESS the bus is so crowded that your moving will cause much discomfort to other passengers.
If you're in a jeep you don't have to worry about giving up your seat. However, you can be considerate to the female/child/sick/elder beside by placing yourself in the 'OUT' position (a.k.a. butt on the edge of the seat) so that they can lean back into a more secure and comfortable position. Note that this can be hard to do (especially since jeeps like to overload). I once had to 'sit' with roughly an inch of chair under me butt and my weight supported by straining leg muscles and my hands on the ceiling bar. Ouch.
3. Baggage
If a female/child/sick/elder is carrying heavy stuff, offer to help. Easy to do, although you should be careful whom you offer to help. If you offer to help a stranger, they may think that you're trying to steal their stuff... or trying to bum a tip... or flirting... or all of the above. Trust isn't too popular nowadays.
I can think of so many more examples, but if you still don't get it by now, it may be hopeless.
To guys who end up reading this through, I hope you've learned something. To girls/children/sick/elderly who are reading, remember that being treated in such a manner is a privilege, not a right. A simple 'Thank you' is worth a lot.
I'm off to shower. 'Til next time.
- Bruce
On my way back I saw them again. The girl was obviously shivering from the cold (I doubt that the spaghetti-strap top that barely reached her navel could provide any real warmth). The guy on the other hand was chattering away, nice and toasty in his expensive leather jacket.
Not to sound sexist or anything but I was raised with the belief that women are the 'weaker sex' and therefore should be treated with extra care. Don't they teach kids chivalry anymore? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out where and when to exercise courtesy.
The basic rule of chivalry is: Do what you can to put a female/child/sick/elder in a position that is comfortable and/or out of danger, even if it is to your disadvantage.
Too hard? Then how about a few examples?
1. Walking
How simple can you get? When walking alongside a female/child/sick/elder, place yourself between them and the flow of traffic. Why? Because if you're hit by a car, you're more likely to survive. Unless you're frail or out of shape, in which case you'll simply die a noble death.
2. Public Transport
This one's a bit tricky. If you're on a bus or train, you should give up your seat to a female/child/sick/elder, UNLESS the bus is so crowded that your moving will cause much discomfort to other passengers.
If you're in a jeep you don't have to worry about giving up your seat. However, you can be considerate to the female/child/sick/elder beside by placing yourself in the 'OUT' position (a.k.a. butt on the edge of the seat) so that they can lean back into a more secure and comfortable position. Note that this can be hard to do (especially since jeeps like to overload). I once had to 'sit' with roughly an inch of chair under me butt and my weight supported by straining leg muscles and my hands on the ceiling bar. Ouch.
3. Baggage
If a female/child/sick/elder is carrying heavy stuff, offer to help. Easy to do, although you should be careful whom you offer to help. If you offer to help a stranger, they may think that you're trying to steal their stuff... or trying to bum a tip... or flirting... or all of the above. Trust isn't too popular nowadays.
I can think of so many more examples, but if you still don't get it by now, it may be hopeless.
To guys who end up reading this through, I hope you've learned something. To girls/children/sick/elderly who are reading, remember that being treated in such a manner is a privilege, not a right. A simple 'Thank you' is worth a lot.
I'm off to shower. 'Til next time.
- Bruce