I'm a southern girl, and my little brother was taught to open doors for me and my mom practically from the time he could walk.
Whether you call it chivalry or just plain good manners, I think it's great, and although I've grown up to become a strong feminist, I still can't get past those equally strong southern manners that were instilled in me from birth. And not just the men opening doors. Also things like writing handwritten thank you notes and basic politeness.
My ex-husband is of Korean descent, and he was taught quite the opposite from southern manners when he was growing up. During our 21 years together, I'm fairly positive that he never opened a door for me. And if I'd waited in the car for him to come around and let me out, I would have sat there forever.
I'm newly single, and as I've gotten older I feel drawn to my roots. That southern belle-ness is creeping back. I'm firmer with my 13-yr-old son about his manners lately. When I go out on a date, I find myself holding my breath to see if the man I'm with actually opens a door for me. If he doesn't, well, we'll just be friends.
So, yes, chivalry is alive and breathing in my neck of the woods!
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I'm a southern girl, and my little brother was taught to open doors for me and my mom practically from the time he could walk.
Whether you call it chivalry or just plain good manners, I think it's great, and although I've grown up to become a strong feminist, I still can't get past those equally strong southern manners that were instilled in me from birth. And not just the men opening doors. Also things like writing handwritten thank you notes and basic politeness.
My ex-husband is of Korean descent, and he was taught quite the opposite from southern manners when he was growing up. During our 21 years together, I'm fairly positive that he never opened a door for me. And if I'd waited in the car for him to come around and let me out, I would have sat there forever.
I'm newly single, and as I've gotten older I feel drawn to my roots. That southern belle-ness is creeping back. I'm firmer with my 13-yr-old son about his manners lately. When I go out on a date, I find myself holding my breath to see if the man I'm with actually opens a door for me. If he doesn't, well, we'll just be friends.
So, yes, chivalry is alive and breathing in my neck of the woods!
Kristin Park
April 20, 2008 - 10:29pmhttp://ppdsurvivor.blogspot.com
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