The Importance of Chivalry

I believe in chivalry. I’m not talking about the politeness everyone deserves, I’m talking about men doing nice things for women. I’m talking about men opening doors, pulling out chairs, pulling up the car, holding umbrellas, giving up their coats, giving up their seat, letting women off sinking ships first, etcetera. The idea of chivalry is derived from the time of knights. It has to do with honor. Honor has lost much value in today’s society. Men should take back their pride in having honor. This I believe.

I was being slightly facetious when I mentioned letting women off a sinking ship first. That is slightly overboard. I do not think that a man has to lay his jacket in a puddle for a woman; she can just walk around. But truly, men should be more chivalrous in today’s society. What most men do not realize is that it is extremely attractive. Even the least of the above listed things catches every American woman’s attention. It is polite and kind. We are not used to it. All negative pre-conceived notions of a man disappear when he is chivalrous. He earns a higher position on a woman’s opinion list. This I know.

Men are doing themselves and women a favor when they are chivalrous. They make themselves a better candidate for a best friend, boyfriend, or husband while physically helping a woman. And people do notice. Women swoon over the man who gives up his seat on a train or helps a stranger carry her groceries. It is the right thing to do, and he will be rewarded for his actions.

While in El Cajon, California for spring break, my main mode of transportation was the trolley. One day during the after work rush hour the trolley was completely full. A woman boarded with a young child and was obviously pregnant and had no where to sit. A young man about twenty years old saw her board, tapped his friend on the shoulder, and motioned the woman over to give her and her child their seats. My friends and I melted. The boy was not particularly physically attractive, but after what he did you could see every girl looked at him with an extra sparkle in their eyes. Not only that, but his actions started a chain reaction and other men began giving their seats to women, girls, children, elderly, and disabled standing on the trolley.

Chivalry is a trait that all women would like to find in a mate. It is respectful, honorable, and courteous. It is something that the American culture has unfortunately lost for the most part. If men would start teaching this to their children again the world would be a better place. Respect is important and chivalry is the best way to show respect to women. This I believe.