Chivalry: Dead or Alive

So lately I've noticed something.  Chivalry is kinda dead.  I never really thought I'd be saying that when I go to school with a crazy-ton of LDS guys.  But it is, I think.  


I've noticed this in a few ways.  


First, boys don't really hold doors open anymore.  Just today, I had a guy run past me, open the door, and let it slam in my face.  He was literally 3 or 4 steps in front of me.  It was so rude.  Even if he didn't want to be a gentleman, he should have at least held it because I'm a fellow human being.  


Tip: Boys, some girls may not like you pausing to hold the door open for them, but do it anyways.  Most of us appreciate it and should say thank you.  Even if you're running late to class, take 5 extra seconds to pause and hold the door.


Second, "ladies first" should really still be happening.  I noticed this a lot when I rode the bus.  Boys would squeeze in front of me to get on the bus sooner.  I'm sorry, but that's rude.  Let a girl go first.  Seriously.


Tip: Really, your day won't be ruined because you let a girl go ahead of you.  Say, "After you" and you may make her day.


My third example is something I noticed in my class last night.  If you're in a crowded place and there aren't enough seats for everyone, do not make a girl sit on the floor.  That is straight up rude.  If you are terrible enough to force a girl to sit on the floor while you sit comfortably in a chair, you are messed up.


Tip: Boy, offer the girl your chair.  You won't ruin your jeans or look less manly because of it.  In fact, that girl will remember you for doing something nice for her.


Fourth, boys don't walk girls home anymore.  Unless they're dating, guys say "See ya!" and let girls make their way home alone.  Being in a ward that's separated by a couple blocks has made me notice this.  I live in an all-girls complex and whenever we'd go do stuff with the guys, they never offered to walk us home.  Yes, it's only two blocks and yes, it's out of the way, but still, at least offer.  


Tip: Ask girls if you can walk them home.  It doesn't mean you're making a move and can be really sweet whether you are or aren't try to make one.


Fifth, if you're at a party or event, especially one hosted by a girl, and you stay until the end, offer to help clean up, take out the trash, etc.  If a girl was willing to put in the work for you to have a good time, show appreciation by doing something small in return.  Most of the time she will refuse, but it's the thought that counts.  Being a part of the Tall Club presidency and staying until everyone's gone to clean up has taught me a lot about guys.  The guys that offer to help clean up or just start doing it without asking are the guys that I remember the most and respect more.


Tip: Do what I just talked about and offer to help clean up if you go to an activity or party and stay until the end.




This is all I have for now.  Guys, please make a greater effort to be gentlemen.  Girls will remember you for it and will really appreciate it.  It shouldn't be questioned if chivalry is dead.  All girls should know it's alive and strong, so do your part :)